
FLM 
2015 
1 1 2246 


yimi 




wm 


UjUuvi; 


ui; 



4 44 -r* „ 1 

V*- *-* ;»* 


( 

. + •: i ... ; 

* ♦ -4 i'4 

• » 4 *:% 

>* i|Vj! 

t. j- C 4>l't 

• i' y >: . : 

•Jf 

• t * 

t?£. ii. 

•*•1 :* 4 

i 

/ :. • » 

•it V# • t 

Uh »♦ .>. 

I s- ^ 4 C f 

• *■ I » *• m 


■ 4 t *. 4 V - ( 

.4 ■. 4 '. « • 4(7* 4 : : 
4 ?*'• f, • » ,• •'* 

* " vV«* v^'i ’ * 

4. f.i 9 ,:«...> f 

.4 4 *4>< ;* 

M/* i*. ♦ •« n 

♦ . V 4 . < . 

4. 4 < * * £ Vi * 4 * 

,.4 ., t *4 \k - » . 
f i 4 4 .*4 * t 

♦ •'*♦ ■•« 


* t 4 : *'• « • \. 

\V :.<£* V 

4 «•* * « 

1 . »•*■■« ‘ «% :4 
-\4 . %- Vs*.'-i4 • . 

4 *’ 4; _ ^ 

^ t, 4 • 4 <«f- ^ 4 m'Ji 

* 4 -’•■ 1 V : * » 

S V0, 4 ‘ 4 

4, '• .• • * * 

♦’ yl ;i jif * « ,•. a 
• • - * t « iV ••• 


■ * 




*- *, *<•" « 



4 . »■ 

4 *- *1 

'--4 

3 

V 

$ST 















CONGRESS 


AND 

THE NORTH POLE. 


AN ABSTRACT OF ARCTIC LEGISLATION IN 

THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES. 

# 



KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 

1 879. 





9 




Congress and the North Pole, 


An Abstract of Arctic Legislation in the United States 

BY CAPTAIN H. W. HOWGATE, U. S. A., WASHINGTON, D. C. 

The recent revival of interest in the subject of Arctic Exploration, in con 
nection with the proposed establishment of a Scientific Colony on the shore 
of Lady Franklin Bay, under the auspices of the United States Government, 
naturally awakens a desire to know what part the government has taken in the 
previous expeditions that have been sent out from the United States to the Arctic 
for the relief of Sir John Franklin or for geographical exploration and discovery. 
It is to gratify this desire that I have compiled the series of papers of which this 
forms the first, from official reports and other public documents through which 
the records are scattered. I make no attempt at a history of the expeditions 
themselves, but simply aim to show how they originated and obtained government 
sanction and aid. 

/ 

i. 

THE DE HAVEN, OR FIRST GRINNELL EXPEDITION. 

The first American expedition to the Arctic for other than commercial pur- 
poses, and to which the government lent a helping hand, was that known as the 
First Grinnell Expedition, and inspired by Lady Franklin in her noble efforts 
to enlist the cooperation of the world in the search for her lost husband. The 
following message from Gen. Taylor, then President of the United States, to 
Congress, communicating copies of a correspondence with Lady Franklin on the 
subject, together with the letters referred to, show the desire of the Executive to 
respond favorably to the touching appeal, and the cause that had prevented 
action. The message was read in the Senate January 4, 1850, and referred to 
the Committee on Naval Affairs and ordered to be printed. 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States : 

I herewith submit to you copies of a correspondence with the lady of Sir John 
Franklin, relative to the well known expedition, under his command, to the Arctic 
regions, for the discovery of a northwest passage. On the receipt of her first letter 
imploring the aid of the American Government in a search for the missing ships, 
engaged in an enterprise which interested all civilized nations, I anxiously sought 




2 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE. 


the means of affording that assistance, but was prevented from accomplishing the 
object I had in view, in consequence of the want of vessels suitable to encounter 
the perils of a proper exploration, the lateness of the season, and the want of an 
appropriation by Congress to enable me to furnish and equip an efficient squad- 
ron for that object. All that I could do, in compliance with a request which I 
was deeply anxious to gratify, was to cause the advertisements of reward promul- 
gated by the British Government, and the best information I could obtain as to the 
means of finding the vessels under the command of Sir John Franklin, to be 
widely circulated among our whalers and sea-faring men, whose spirit of enter- 
prise might lead them to the inhospitable regions where that heroic officer and his 
brave followers, who periled their lives in the cause of science and for the bene- 
fit of the world, were supposed to be imprisoned among the icebergs, or wrecked 
upon the desert shore. Congress being now in session, the propriety and expe- 
diency of an appropriation for fitting out an expedition to proceed in search of 
the missing ships, with their officers and crews, is respectfully submitted to your 
consideration. Z. Taylor. 

Washington, Jan. 4, 1850. 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

LADY FRANKLIN TO THE PRESIDENT. 

Bedford Place, London, April 4, 1849. 

Sir : — I address myself to you, as the head of a great nation whose power to 
help me I cannot doubt, and in whose disposition to do so I have a confidence 
which I trust you will not deem presumptuous. 

The name of my husband, Sir John Franklin, is probably not unknown to 
you. It is intimately connected with the northern part of that continent of 
which the American Republic forms so vast and conspicuous a portion. When I 
visited the United States, three years ago, amongst the many proofs I received of 
respect and courtesy, there was none which touched and even surprised me more 
than the appreciation everywhere expressed to me of his former services in geo- 
graphical discovery, and the interest felt in the enterprise in which he was then 
known to be engaged. 

The expedition fitted out by our government for the discovery of the North- 
west passage, (that question which, for three hundred years, has engaged the 
interest and baffled the energies of the man of science and the navigator), sailed 
under my husband’s command in May, 1845. The two ships — “Erebus” and 
“ Terror” — contained one hundred and thirty-eight men (officers and crews), 
and were victualed for three years. They were not expected home, unless 
success had early rewarded their efforts or some casualty hastened their return, 
before the close of 1847, nor were any tidings expected from them in the interval. 
But when the autumn of 1847 arrived without any intelligence of the ships, the 
attention of her Majesty’s government was directed to the necessity of searching 
for and conveying relief to them in case of their being imprisoned in ice, or 
wrecked and in want of provisions and means of transportation. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


3 


For this purpose an expedition in three divisions was fitted out in the early 
part of last year, directed to three different quarters simultaneously, viz: ist, To 
that by which in case of success the ships would come out of the Polar Sea to the 
westward, or Behring’s Strait; 2nd, to that by which they entered on their course 
of discovery on the eastern side, or Davis’ Strait ; and 3rd, to an intervening 
portion of the Arctic shore approachable by land from the Hudson Bay Com- 
pany’s settlements, on which it was supposed the crews, if obliged to abandon 
their ships, might he found. This last division of the expedition was placed 
under the command of my husband’s faithful friend, the companion of his former 
travels, Dr. Sir John Richardson, who landed at New York in April of last year, 
and hastened to join his men and boats, which were already in advance toward 
the Arctic shore. Of this portion of the expedition I may briefly say that the 
absence of any intelligence from Sir John Richardson at this season proves he 
has been unsuccessful in the object of his search. 

The expedition intended for Behring’s Strait has hitherto been a complete 
failure. It consisted of a single ship, the “ Plover,” which, owing to her setting 
off too late, and to her bad sailing properties, did not even approach her desti- 
nation last year. 

The remaining and most important portion of the searching expedition con- 
sists of two ships under the command of Sir James Ross, which sailed last May 
for Davis’ Strait, but did not succeed, owing to the state of the ice, in getting 
into Lancaster Sound until the season for operations had nearly closed. These 
ships are now wintering in the ice, and a store ship is about to be dispatched 
from hence with provisions and fuel to enable them to stay out another year ; 
but one of these vessels is, in a great degree, withdrawn from active search by 
the necessity of watching at the entrance of Lancaster Sound for the arrival of 
intelligence and instructions from England by the whalers. 

I have entered into these details with the view of proving that though the 
British government has not forgotten the duty it owes to the brave men it has 
sent on a perilous service, and has spent a very large sum in providing the means 
for its rescue, yet that, owing to various causes, the means actually in operation 
for this purpose are quite inadequate to meet the extreme exigence of the case ; 
for, it must be remembered, the missing ships were victualed for three years 
only, and that nearly four years have now elapsed, so that the survivors of so 
many winters in the ice must be at the last extremity. And also, it must be 
borne in mind that the channels by which the ships may have attempted to force 
a passage to the westward, or which they may have been compelled by adverse 
circumstances to take, are very numerous and complicated, and that one or two 
ships cannot possibly, in the course of the next short summer, explore them all. 

The Board of Admiralty, under a conviction of this fact, has been induced 
to offer a reward of ^20,000 sterling to any ship or ships, of any country, or to 
any exploring party whatever, which shall render efficient assistance to the missing 
ships or their crews, or to any portion of them. This announcement, which, even if 
the sum had been doubled or trebled, would have met with public approbation, 


4 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE . 


comes, however, too late for our whalers, which had unfortunately sailed before 
it was issued, and which, even if the news should overtake them at their fishing 
grounds, are totally unfitted for any prolonged adventure, having only a few 
months’ provisions on board and no additional clothing. To the American 
whalers, both in the Atlantic and Pacific, I look with more hope as com- 
petitors for the prize, being well aware of their numbers and strength, their thor- 
ough equipment and the bold spirit of enterprise which animates their crews. 
But I venture to look beyond even these. I am not without hope that you will 
deem it not unworthy of a great and kindred nation to take up the cause of 
humanity which I plead, in a national spirit, and thus generously make it your 
own. 

I must here, in gratitude, adduce the example of the imperial Russian gov- 
ernment, which, as I am led to hope by his Excellency, the Russian Ambassador 
in London, who forwarded a memorial on the subject, will send out exploring 
parties this summer, from the Asiatic side of Behring’s Strait northward, in search 
of the lost vessels. It would be a noble spectacle to the world, if three great 
nations, possessed of the widest empires on the face of the globe, were thus to 
unite their efforts in the truly Christian work of saving their perishing fellow-men 
from destruction. 

It is not for me to suggest the mode in which such benevolent efforts might 
best be made. I will only say, however, that if the conceptions of my own 
mind, to which I do not venture to give utterance, were realized, and that in the 
noble competition which followed, American seamen had the good fortune to 
wrest from us the glory, as might be the case, of solving the problem of the 
unfound passage, or the still greater glory of saving our adventurous navigators 
from a lingering fate which the mind sickens to dwell on, though I should in 
either case regret that it was not my own brave countrymen in those seas whose 
devotion was thus rewarded, yet should I rejoice that it was to America we owed 
our restored happiness, and should be forever bound to her by ties of affectionate 
gratitude. 

I am not without some misgivings while I thus address you. The intense 
anxieties of a wife and of a daughter may have led me to press too earnestly on 
your notice the trial under which we are suffering, (yet not we only, but hun- 
dreds of others,) and to presume too much on the sympathy which we are 
assured is felt beyond the limit of our own land. Yet if you deem this to be the 
case, you will still find, I am sure, even in that personal intensity of feeling, 
an excuse for that fearlessness with which I have thrown myself on your gen- 
erosity, and will pardon the homage I thus pay to your own high character, and 
to that of the people over whom you have the high distinction to preside. 

I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

Jane Franklin. 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE . 


o 


MR. CLAYTON TO LADY FRANKLIN. 

Department of State, Washington, April 25, 1849. 

Madam : — Your letter to the President of the United States, dated April 4, 
1849, has been received by him, and he has instructed me to make to you the 
following reply : 

The appeal made in the letter with which you have honored him, is such as 
would strongly enlist the sympathy of the rulers and the people of any portion of 
the civilized world. To the citizens of the United States, who share so largely 
m the emotions which agitate the public mind of your own country, the name of 
Sir John Franklin has been endeared by his heroic virtues and the sufferings and 
sacrifices which he has encountered for the benefit of mankind. The appeal of 
his wife and daughters, in their distress, has been borne across the waters, asking 
the assistance of a kindred people, to save the brave men who embarked in his 
unfortunate expedition, and the people of the United States, who have watched 
with the deepest interest that hazardous enterprise, will now respond to that 
appeal by the expression of their united wishes that every proper effort may be 
made by this government for the rescue of your husband and his companions. 

To accomplish the objects you have in view, the attention of American nav- 
igators, and especially of our whalers, will be immediately invoked. All the 
information in the possession of this government to enable them to aid in discov- 
ering the missing ships, relieving their crews and restoring them to their families, 
shall be spread far and wide among our people, and all that the executive gov- 
ernment of the United States, in the exercise of its constitutional powers, can 
effect to meet this requisition. on American enterprise, skill and bravery, will be 
promptly undertaken. 

The hearts of the American people will be deeply touched by your eloquent 
address to their Chief Magistrate, and they will join with you in an earnest 
prayer to Him whose spirit is on the waters, that your husband and his compan- 
ions may yet be restored to their country and their friends. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully, madam, 

Your obedient servant, 

John M. Clayton. 

Lady Jane Franklin. 

LADY FRANKLIN TO THE PRESIDENT. 

Bedford Place, London, May 24th, 1849. 

Sir : — The letter with which you have kindly honored me, conveying the 
reply of the President of the United States to the appeal I ventured to address 
him in behalf of the missing Arctic expedition under my husband’s command, 
has filled my heart with gratitude and excites the liveliest feelings of admiration 
in all who have had an opportunity of seeing it. 

Relying upon the reports in the American papers just received, I learn that 
the people of the United States have responded, as you foresaw they would, to 
the appeal made to their humane and generous feelings, and that in a manner 


6 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE. 


worthy of so great and powerful a nation — indeed, with a munificence which 
is almost without a parallel. 

I will only add that I fully and firmly rely upon the wisdom and efficiency 
of the measures undertaken by the American government. I beg you to do me 
the favor of conveying to the President the expression of my deep respect and 
gratitude, and I trust you will accept yourself my heartfelt acknowledgments for 
the exceedingly kind and feeling manner in which you have conveyed to me His 
Excellency’s sentiments. I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your obliged friend and obedient servant, 

Jane Franklin. 

MR. CRAMPTON TO MR. CLAYTON. 

Washington, June 2, 1849. 

Sir : — I have been directed by Her Majesty’s government to lose no time in 
communicating to the government of the United States the printed papers, which 
I have the honor to inclose herewith, in case an intention on their part, referred 
to in a statement which appeared in the Times newspaper of the 22d ultimo, of 
sending two ships in search of Sir John Franklin’s expedition, is really enter- 
tained, it having been suggested by the Lords of the Admiralty that, in that 
case, it may be useful that the United States government may be in possession of 
these papers, containing the views of officers competent to give an opinion as to 
the best chances for affording relief to the expedition, and the steps taken by Her 
Majesty’s government for that purpose. 

Her Majesty’s government, are, ere this, apprized of the reality of the liberal 
and philanthropic intention of the President with regard to the expedition in 
question, which I had the honor of reporting to Viscount Palmerston, in a dis- 
patch dated the 14th ultimo. I have, therefore, the satisfaction of being enabled 
now to fulfill the instruction which has been addressed to me in anticipation of 
the correctness of the statement, which had already reached Her Majesty’s 
government, by expressing to you, sir, their full appreciation of the generous and 
humane motives which have induced the government of the United States to send 
an expedition to the Arctic seas. 

I avail myself of this opportunity to return to you, sir, the assurance of my 
highest consideration. John F. Crampton. 

Hon. J. M. Clayton, &c., &c. 

REWARDS OFFERED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. 

Three thousand pounds, or a proportion thereof, according to the services 
rendered, offered by Lady Franklin to such of the whaling ships as shall be gen- 
erously inclined to assist in the search for Sir John Franklin and his gallant com- 
panions. 

With the view of inducing any whaling ships that shall resort to Davis’ 
Strait and Baffins Bay to make special efforts in search of the expedition under 
the command of Sir John Franklin, I hereby offer the sum of three thousand 
pounds (£3,000) or a proportion thereof according to the services rendered, to 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE. 


7 


such ship or ships as, departing from the usual fishing grounds, shall discover. and 
if needed, afford effectual relief to the above expedition or any portion of it. 

It is proposed that the amount of reward, according to the efforts made and 
services performed, shall be determined by the following gentlemen, who have 
kindly consented to act as referees, viz ; Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort, K. 
C. B. ; Captain Sir W. Edward Pany, R. N. ; Thomas Word, Esq., (Hull). 

In regard to the distribution of the sum awarded among owners, captains, 
officers and seamen, the amount to each to be adjusted in the same proportions 
as if similar value of produce had been obtained. In the event of more than 
one ship making special efforts to give succor to the expedition, each ship is to 
receive its proportion of the reward agreeably to the decision of the referees. 

The attention of whalers disposed to aid in this service is particularly direct- 
ed to the Gulf of Boothia, within Regents Inlet, or to any of the inlets or chan- 
nels leading out of Barrow’s Strait, or the sea beyond, either northward or 
southward, as also to any sounds or inlets in the north and western sides of 
Baffin’s Bay above the seventy-fifth degree of latitude. 

Should it be clearly proved and ascertained that any whaler has made ex- 
traordinary efforts or special researches in quarters remote from the ordinary fish- 
ing grounds, for the purpose designated, though no success may have attended 
their endeavors, the case of such whaler, with a view to reward, will be taken 
into favorable consideration by the referees. 

For the greater satisfaction of parties claiming reward, the owners and cap- 
tains shall be authorized, if they desire, to nominate one additional referee, who 
shall act and vote in all respects as the standing referees in the special case for 
which they may be nominated. The referees, being then increased to four, will, 
according to the usual order of business, choose for themselves a fifth as umpire. 

• Twenty thousand pounds sterling ($100,000) reward to be given by her 
Britannic Majesty’s government to such private ships or to any exploration parti s 
of any country as may in the judgment of the Board of Admiralty, have ren- 
dered efficient assistance to Sir John Franklin, his ships or their crews, and may 
have contributed directly to extricate them from the ice. 

The attention of whalers or any other ships or parties disposed to aid in this 
this service is particularly directed to Smith’s Sound and Jones’ Sound, in Baffin’s 
Bay, to Regent’s Inlet and the Gulf of Boothia as well as to any of the inlets or 
channels leading out of Barrow’s Strait, particularly to Wellington Strait or the 
sea beyond, either northward or southward. Vessels entering through Behring’s 
Strait would necessarily direct their search north and south of Melville Island. 

H. G. Ward. Sec. to the Admiralty. 

London, March 23, 1849. 

MR. BANCROFT TO MR. CLAYTON. 

{Extract . ) 

United States Legation, London, June 15, 1849. 

Sir : — * * * * The newspapers having announced that it 

is the President’s intention to fit out two ships to go in search of Sir John Frank- 


8 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


lin,the Royal Society have passed a vote on the subject, which the Earl of Rosse, 
president of the Royal Society, has communicated to me by a letter, a copy of 
which is inclosed. Not having any official knowledge of the President’s inten- 
tion, I have taken care, when appealed to, to say that I know nothing on the sub- 
ject beyond what was before the world. You will observe, also, that the subject 
has engaged the attention of the House of Commons. I was present and heard 
Sir Robert Inglis, Lord Palmerston and Mr. D'Israeli* speak of it in the hand- 
somest manner. * * * * * * 

I am, respectfully, 

Hon. J. M. Clayton, George Bancroft. 

Sec. of State, Washington, D. C. 

THE EARL OF ROSSE TO MR. CLAYTON, 

13 Connaught Place, June 9, 1849. 

My Dear Sir : — I have the honor to inform you that at the annual meeting 
of the Royal Society held the 7th inst. , a communication was read from Admiral 
Sir F. Beaufort in which he apprized the society that the American Government 
had nobly undertaken to send an expedition in search of Sir John Franklin, upon 
which a vote of thanks was moved by Sir Charles Lemon, seconded by Lord 
Northampton, and carried with the utmost enthusiasm, expressive of the gratitude 
of the Royal Society to the American Government and of their deep sense of the 
kind and brotherly feeling which had prompted so liberal an act of humanity. 

Allow me to assure you that it is peculiarly gratifying to me to have the 
honor of being the humble instrument in conveying to you the thanks of the 
Royal Society on this occasion ; and permit me to express a hope that this most 
generous act of the United States may, if possible, draw closer the bonds of 
friendship between the two kindred nations. That the United States may con- 
tinue to progress with the same extraordinary rapidity in the arts of peace and 
civilization, and to hold the same high place in the science and literature of the 
world is, I am sure, the anxious desire of the Royal Society. 

* 

I have the honor to be, sir, very truly yours, 

Rosse. 

His Excellency, George Bancroft, Esq. 

MR. SMYTH TO MR. BANCROFT. 

3 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, June 20, 1849. 

Dear Sir: — Having notified to a general meeting of the Royal Geographical 
Society of London, holden on Monday the nth inst., that the government of 
the United States, with noble feeling and generous liberality, ordered an expedi- 
tion under the command of a very distinguished officer to assist in the search, in 
the Arctic regions, for Capt. Sir John Franklin, (late a vice-president of the said 
society) and his brave companions, it was resolved unanimously to transmit an 
expression of the society’s gratitude to the American Government and their full 
sense of the benevolent impulse which prompted so admirable an act of humanity. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


9 


On so deeply interesting an occasion 1 beg to be allowed to assure you of 
the gratification I feel on being made the instrument of this expression, and 

Believe me very sincerely your faithful servant, 

W. H. Smyth, Pres. Royal Geographical Society. 
His Excellency, Hon. George Bancroft. 


LADY FRANKLIN TO THE PRESIDENT. 

Spring Gardens, London, Dec. n, 1849. 

Sir: — I had the honor of addressing myself to you in the month of April 
last, in behalf of my husband, Sir John Franklin, his officers and crews, who 
were sent by her Majesty’s government, in the spring of 1845, and who have 
never since been heard of. 

Their mysterious fate has excited, I believe, the deepest interest throughout 
the civilized world, but nowhere more so, not even in England itself, than in the 
United States of America. It was under a deep conviction of this fact, and 
with the humble hope that an appeal to those generous sentiments would never 
be made altogether in vain, that I ventured to lay before you the necessities of 
that critical period, and to ask you to take up the cause of humanity which I 
pleaded, and generously make it your own. 

How nobly you, sir, and the American people, responded to that appeal, 
how kindly and courteously that response was conveyed to me, is known wher- 
ever our common language is spoken or understood, and though difficulties which 
were mainly owing to the advanced state of the season, presented themselves 
after your official announcement had been made known to our government, and 
prevented the immediate execution of your intentions, yet the generous pledge 
you had given was not altogether withdrawn, and hope still remained to me that, 
should the necessity for renewed measures continue to exist, I might look again 
across the waters for the needed succor. 

A period has now, alas ! arrived, when our dearest hopes as to the safe 
return of the discovery ships this autumn are finally crushed by the unexpected 
though forced return of Sir James Ross, without any tidings of them, and also by 
the close of the Arctic season. And not only have no tidings been brought of 
their safety or of their fate, but even the very traces of their course have yet to 
be discovered ; for such was the concurrence of unfortunate and unusual circum- 
stances attending the efforts of the brave and able officer alluded to, that he was 
not able to reach those points where indications of the course of the discovery 
ships would most probably be found. And thus, at the close of a second season 
since the departure of the recent expedition of search, we remain in nearly the 
same state of ignorance respecting the missing expedition as at the moment of 
its starting from on shores. And in the meantime our brave countrymen, 
whether clinging still to their ships or dispersed in various directions, have entered 
upon a fifth winte in those dark and dreary solitudes, with exhausted means, 
while yet their expected succor comes not. 


10 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


It is in the time, then, of their greatest peril, in the day of their extremest 
need, that I venture, encouraged by your former kindness, to look to you again 
for some active efforts which may come in aid of those of my own country, 
and add to the means of search. Her Majesty’s ministers have already resolved 
on sending an expedition to Behring’s Strait, and doubtless have other necessary 
measures in contemplation, supported as they are, in every means that can be 
desired for this humane purpose, by the sympathies of the nation and by the gen- 
erous solicitude which our Queen is known to feel in the fate of her brave peo- 
ple imperiled in their country’s service. But, whatever be the measures con- 
templated by the Admiralty, they cannot be such as will leave no room or neces- 
sity for more, since it is only by the multiplication of means, and those vigorous 
and instant ones, that we can hope, at this last stage, and in this last hour, per- 
haps, of the lost navigators’ existence, to snatch them from a dreary grave. And 
surely, till the shores and seas of those frozen regions have been swept in all 
directions, or until some memorial be found to attest their fate, neither England, 
who sent them out, nor even America, on whose shores they have been launched 
in a cause which has interested the world for centuries, will deem the question at 
rest. 

May it please God so to move the hearts and wills of a great and kindred 
people, and of their chosen chief magistrate, that they may join heart and hand 
in the generous enterprise. The respect and admiration of the world, which 
watches with growing interest every movement of your great republic, will fol- 
low the chivalric and humane endeavor, and the blessings of those who were 
ready to perish shall come upon you. 

I have the honor to be, sir with great respect, 

Your grateful and obedient servant, 

Jane Franklin. 

H is Excellency, the President of the United States. 


LADY FRANKLIN TO MR. CLAYTON. 

Spring Gardens, London, Dec. 12, 1849. 

Sir: — I beg to transmit, through you, to the President of the United States, 
the accompanying letter, trusting to that same kindness on his part of which you 
have already been the feeling and eloquent exponent, that it will be received 
with an indulgence similar to that which I met with before. 

Sir John Richardson informs me that the interest felt in the United States 
for the unfortunate missing expedition under my husband’s command is as lively 
and deep as ever, and in this feeling, and in the benevolent disposition of the 
President, I place my humble confidence. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obliged and obedient servant, 

Jane Franklin. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


11 


The expressed sympathy of the government as shown in the above corres- 
pondence, met with a hearty support from the press of the country, but from 
various causes failed to yield practical results and it became .evident that if the 
United States was to share in the search for the lost navigator something more 
decisive and tangible must be done. In this emergency Mr. Grinnell, of New 
York, tendered the use of the necessary vessels, in a memorial which was pre- 
sented in the Senate April 5, 1850, by Henry Clay, as shown by the following 
extract from the Congressional Globe of that date : 

vp >|r Vp Vp vp Vp Jp vL* vp 

/•p "T* 'T* /p 

“Mr. Clay presented the memorial of Mr. Henry Grinnell, of New York, 
stating that he was fitting out two or three vessels in the port of New York 
to send out in search of Sir John Franklin, and requesting the services of 
certain seamen of the United States under command of subordinate officers of 
the Navy to give the vessels something of a naval and military discipline, as 
essential to the success of the enterprise.” * * * * * 

Mr. Clay referred in warm terms to the high standing and public spirit of 
Mr. Grinnell, and on his motion the memorial was referred to the Committee on 
Naval Affairs. 

In the course of his remarks Mr. Clay said that he feared Sir John and his 
companions would not be found alive, but that the attempt to find them would be 
gratifying to the whole world, and many useful discoveries might be made that 
would add to the knowledge of the world, and amply repay any expenditure 
that might be incurred by the United States. 

Mr. Clay also presented a petition signed by a great many merchants and 
citizens of Philadelphia, recommending to Congress the passage of some measure 
favoring Mr. Grinnell’s enterprise. 

In the House of Representatives. April 25, 1850, Mr. Stanton, of Tennessee, 
from Committee on Naval Affairs, reported a joint resolution to authorize the 
President of the United States to accept and attach to the Navy the two ves- 
sels offered by Mr. Henry Grinnell, of New York, to be sent to the Arctic seas in 
search of Sir John Franklin and his companions, and said it was important that 
early action be taken. 

Objection was made by Mr. Bayly, of Virginia, who referred to it as a “wild 
goose chase,” and moved to lay the resolution on the table, which was defeated 
by a vote of yeas, 70, nays, 99. 

Fears were entertained by the opponents of the measure that Congress would 
be called upon at some future time to compensate Mr. Grinnell for the use of his 
vessels, and in reference to this Mr. Brooks, of New York, said: * * “The 

object of the expedition was not to obtain money from the government, neither 
now nor hereafter, as had been insinuated. 


12 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE . 


The projector of the expedition, impelled by the highest influences that 
could nerve a man, proposed to fit out two vessels costing some $30,000, at his 
own expense, asking of the government nothing save that it extend over them 
the protection of its flag and give them the discipline of its Navy. * * 

* * It was felt and known that a private vessel with sailors enlisted only 
under our mercantile laws as for the mercantile marine, could not have that dis- 
cipline on board, that salutary and efficient government which might be necessary 
in high northern latitudes under the most trying circumstances in which human 
beings might be placed. To prevent mutiny, to enforce law, to compel if neces- 
sary self-sacrifice — the discipline and government of the Navy were wanted, and 
it was unwise if not unsafe to send two vessels to the Arctic seas for the purpose 
contemplated with only the discipline of the mercantile marine to govern them. 

* • * * Can you look other nations in the face if you decline to 

cooperate in this enterprise, and let them have all the honor of exploring even 
your own North American Continent? * * * With reference 

to the remark of Mr. Bayly that it was a “wild goose chase,” Mr. Brooks said: 
“I am afraid that all mankind, and especially that portion whom I represent, will 
not acquiesce in the judgment of the gentleman from Virginia, and will be as 
earnest as ever to solve the problem. This is an expedition which humanity in- 
vokes, which science calls for, which continental pride demands from you, and 
you alone of all other nations.” 

After some desffitory remarks from various members the subject went over 
until next day, April 26, when Mr. Stanton advocated immediate action, and was 
opposed by Mr. Bayly, Mr. Savage, and others, as visionary. 

During the discussion, which consumed most of the day’s session, consider- 
able sectional feeling was developed, which led Mr. Cable, of Ohio, to offer the 
following amendment to the joint resolution, which was received with much 
merriment : 

Provided , That neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except for crime, 
shall exist in any country or countries which may be discovered by said expedi- 
tion about the North Pole. 

The following extracts from Mr. Bayly’s remarks are of interest as showing 
the feeling at that time against uniting the government with any private enterprise: 

“ * * * * If it is proper for us to engage in it at 

all, we ought to do it on our own account and in a manner becoming a great 
naval and commercial nation. I do not think it becoming, especially after the 
lofty ground our Executive has taken, that we should satisfy ourselves with acting 
a secondary part in rather a small private enterprise. * * I repeat, 

sir, and I desire to do it emphatically, if we are to engage in this enterprise let 
us do it on our own account, in a manner befitting us as a nation ; let us send out 
a national vessel under instructions from our government and upon our national 
responsibility. * * If we have no vessels that are fit for the ser- 

vice, let us purchase such as are, or have nothing to do with this expedition. Do 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE . 


13 


not let us connect ourselves with it just so far as to make us responsible for it 
without any control over it.” 

Mr. E. D. Baker, of Illinois, supported the resolution in some eloquent re- 
marks, in the course of which he said: “ It is this generous love of glory that 

I admire; it was this which prompted the 'World-seeking Genoese’ to the 
noblest enterprise of any age and kept him firm amid the terrified mariners and 
on an unknown and stormy sea. It is this which kindles high hearts to all great 
enterprises; and, sir, when this love of glory seeks its accomplishment in noble 
discovery, I not only admire but honor it, and I am honored in being allowed to 
aid it. But, sir, the whole American people have an interest in these expedi- 
tions. It is no longer true of England that she is ‘mistress of the ocean;’ we 
too hold our ‘ march upon the mountain wave,’ our keels vex every sea; and 
whatever opens new channels of commerce, adds to our wealth and dominion. 
And yet I am disposed to place the support of this measure upon higher ground. 
It has been said that literature belongs to no age and no country. It may be 
repeated of discovery and invention, as the benefit is for all ages and all coun- 
tries, for the world and for the whole family of man.” 

Several attempts to adjourn the House without action were voted down, and 
after considerable fillibustering the main question was ordered and the joint reso- 
lution passed by a vote of 94 yeas to 45 nays. 

The following is the text of the resolution as passed : 

Resolved , That the President be and he is hereby authorized and directed to 
receive from Henry Grinnell, of the city of New York, the two vessels prepared 
by him for an expedition in search of Sir John Franklin and his companions ; 
and to detail from the Navy such commissioned and warrant officers, and so many 
seamen as maybe necessary for said expedition and who maybe willing to engage 
therein. The said officers and men shall be furnished with suitable rations at the 
discretion of the President for a period not exceeding three years, and shall have 
the use of such necessary instruments as are now on hand and can be spared 
from the Navy, to be accounted for or returned by the officers who shall receive 
the same. 

Sec. 2. Be it further Resolved , That the said vessels, officers and men shall 
be in all respects under the laws and regulations of the Navy of the United States 
until their return, when the said vessels shall be delivered to the said Henry 
Grinnell; Provided, That the United States shall not be liable to any claim for 
compensation in case of loss, damage or deterioration of the said vessels or either 
of them, from any cause or in any manner whatever, nor be liable to any demand 
for the use or risk of said vessels or either of them. 

After the vote was announced, Mr. McLane, of Maryland, stated that he 
should favor the passage of a joint resolution refunding to Mr. Grinnell all the 
expenses he had incurred in fitting out the expedition. 

This should have settled the matter in the House and did so far as action on 
the measure itself was concerned, but on two subsequent days — April 29 and May 


14 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE. 


i — warm discussions on points of order connected with its passage, form part of 
the record, showing the bitterness with which its opponents fought. 

The joint resolution as it passed the House was reported in the Senate April 
29, and a motion to refer it to the Committee on Naval Affairs, made by Mr. 
Bright, was withdrawn upon the statement of Mr. Miller, of New Jersey, that 
the subject had already been discussed in the Committee, and it had at its last 
meeting determined to report a similar resolution to the one now before them. 

May 1 st — On motion of Mr. Miller the Senate postponed all prior orders and 
took up the resolution. It was advocated by Messrs. Miller, Clay, Seward, 
Pearce, of Md., Yulee, of Fla., Dayton, of .N. J., Butler, of S. C., and Hous- 
ton, of Tex., and was opposed by King, of Ala., Foote, of Miss., and Davis, of 
Miss., and after a lengthy discussion passed by a vote of 28 yeas to 16 nays. 

The following extracts show the line of argument followed by the speakers 
on both sides : 

Mr. Clay said: “Although I accord in the expression of opinion urged 
against the union of a public and individual enterprise generally, yet in a case of 
this kind I should hope that would not be permitted to prevent the passage of this 
resolution. * * * It may turn out, too, that in carrying out 

this enterprise, other discoveries may be made which will benefit our country and 
the world.” 

Mr. King said : “ If I could think it proper to mingle up the affairs of an 
individual with those of the government of the United States, I would unhesitat- 
ingly vote for this proposition. But I hold that the government of the United 
States ought not in any case to connect itself in this way with a private individ- 
ual. I hold that you should not place the officers and seamen of the United 
States under the control of any private individual whatever. * * Is it 

not better that the United States should take the subject into its own hands and 
make a liberal appropriation ? I would vote for the largest appropriation neces- 
sary to purchase suitable ships, and if this suggestion is approved I will move the 
recommitment of the resolution to the Committee that they may report a bill to 
carry out the suggestion — that the government of the United States may carry out 
the expedition at its own expense and that we may not mix ourselves as a govern- 
ment with the enterprise of any individual.” 

Mr. Miller said: “ I prefer that the government should have the entire con- 
rol of the enterprise, but this cannot now be done within the time required to 
produce the good results which are to be hoped from this expedition. * * 

* * If we refer the resolution back to the committee and they report a 

bill authorizing the government to build ships to carry on the expedition on its 
own account, it would be attended with very great delay, and in my opinion de- 
feat the object we have in view.” 

Mr. Foote said : “ It is proposed that inasmuch as the government of the 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE. 


15 


United States has become suddenly be-dwarfed in its faculties, and has lost all its 
efficiency for the execution of a noble undertaking that has once found favor in 
its eyes ; and inasmuch as this government, whose naval power is now the object 
of admiration to all nations, is not able to supply ships suited to an interest- 
ing purpose of exploration; or, perchance, since pecuniary means for the execu- 
tion of this grand scheme are not possessed by the government, a man of wealth 
is to be allowed to step in and monopolize the whole glory of the object ; that he 
whose arms are stronger than the arms of the nation, he whose purse is more 
fully replenished with gold than that of the richest nation in the world, shall be 
allowed to fit out this expedition according to his own individual judgment, while 
this government shall become, not a dormant partner, but shall become an 
openly declared but yet a decidedly subordinate partner in the concern. * * 

* * The government cannot engage in this enterprise without a serious 

loss of dignity at least. * * * If anything is to be done let it be 

done with a due regard to the honor of the nation and with a full view of the 
responsibility connected with our acts.” 

Mr. Seward said: “ When great objects and great enterprises which are 
feasible are hindered or defeated, it is not so much by want of agreement con- 
cerning the measures themselves as by diversity of opinion concerning the mode 
of carrying them into execution. * * * I accordingly agree with 

those honorable Senators who would have preferred the government should have 
moved for the attainment of this object as a government, and made it exclusively 
the act of the nation, * * * but the government has not moved and the 

time has arrived when a movement must be made, and I shall vote for the reso- 
lution.” 

The opposition dwelt strongly upon the failure of the administration to carry 
out its implied promise of aid in the Lady Franklin correspondence, and most of 
the debate turned upon this point, the Democrats attacking and the Whigs defend- 
ing the administration in the usual partisan manner, but most of the Senators 
rose above party in view of the peculiar nature of the expedition. Of this class 
was Mr. Yulee, who said : 

“ I shall vote for the resolution because it may result in important advant- 
ages to our commercial interests. * * * We have many more offi- 

cers in the Navy than the necessities of the service can require. The service 
will be actually benefited by the employment of some of the officers in this 
expedition — perilous and dangerous I agree, but yet honorable to them and 
advantageous to the government. These officers are receiving pay whether in 
service or not. The personnel of the Navy, so far as the seamen are concerned, is 
limited by act of Congress to 7,500 men, and no more can be employed. The 
whole amount of this matter then will be that thirty of these men will be employed 
in this instead of some other service and receive only the remuneration which 
they would receive elsewhere in other situations. But more than all this. It is 
not at all unlikely that this expedition may reach beyond the icy barrier, into 


16 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH ROLE. 


open seas, which may open to our varied interests a very large field from which 
increased benefits may be derived/' 

Mr. Butler said : “ It will indeed be a great triumph to American enterprise 
if we could make the discovery about which so much has been said, a very great 
triumph. I know that national reputation is national property of the highest 
value; and if we can acquire reputation by making the discovery, I shall rejoice 
at it. The chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs has told us that these 
officers are willing to embark in this hazardous enterprise, and that the men will 
also embark voluntarily ; and he also tells us that he is taking men who are doing 
nothing and putting them into employment, such as may redound to the honor of 
the country . ” 

Mr. Houston said : “I shall vote for the resolution because it will afford 
American officers and American seamen an opportunity of distinguishing them- 
selves and acquiring a reputation and character for our naval force." 

The joint resolution was approved by the President May 2, and so promptly 
was Mr. Grinnell seconded by the Government now that proper authority had 
been obtained, that the expedition sailed from New York on the twenty-second 
of the same month. 

It consisted of two small sail vessels — the “Advance," 144 tons, and the 
“ Rescue," 91 tons — with the following officers and crew, detailed from the U. 
S. Navy : 

Advance. — Officers: Lieutenant Commanding, Edwin J. De Haven, Com- 

manding the Expedition ; Passed Midshipman, Wm. H. Murdaugh, Acting Mas- 
ter and First Officer; Midshipman, William I. Lovell, Second Officer; Elisha 
Kent Kane, M. D., Passed Assistant Surgeon. Crew: Wm. Morton, Henry 

De Roque, John Blinn, Gibson Caruthers, Thomas Dunning, William West, 
Charles Berry, Louis Costa, William Holmes, Edward Wilson, William Benson, 
Edward C. Delano, James Smith. 

Rescue. — Officers: Acting Master, Samuel P. Griffin, Commanding the 

“ Rescue" ; Passed Midshipman, Robert P. Carter, Acting Master and First Of- 
ficer ; Boatswain, Henry Brooks, Second Officer; Benjamin Vreeland, M. D., 
Assistant Surgeon. Crew : William J. Kurner, Auguste Canot, John Williams, 

Robert Bruce, William Lincoln, Smith Benjamin, Rufus C. Baggs, David Davis, 
James Johnson, James Stewart, Alexander Daly, H. J. White. — Total, 33. 

The expedition reached New York on its return, Sept. 30, 1851, having been 
absent a little more than sixteen months, having aided in the discovery of authen- 
tic traces of Sir John Franklin’s party and of the land named after the projector 

§ 

of the expedition, “ Grinnell Land." 

The detailed narrative of the expedition, by Dr. Kane, and published by 
Harper Bros, in 1853, is one of more than common interest, and should be 
read by those who wish to obtain a clear idea of Arctic life and enterprise. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


17 


II. 

THE SECOND GRINNELL EXPEDITION. 

Immediately upon the return of DeHaven, Mr. Grinnell, the owner of the 
vessels which formed his expedition, generously offered them for another cruise 
in search of Sir John Franklin, if Congress should think proper to authorize it. Con- 
gress did not accept this offer, and Mr. Grinnell placed one of them — the Ad- 
vance — at the disposal of Dr. Kane, who, at the solicitation of Lady Franklin, had 
been authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to lead a new American expedition 
in search of her lost husband. 

The expedition was a private one, so far as outfit was concerned, Mr. Pea- 
body, of London, contributing largely for this purpose. In addition to Dr. Kane, 
ten of the party belonged to the U. S. Navy and were attached to his command 
by orders from the Department, and without special legislation in either case. 
Dr. I. I. Hayes, subsequently distinguished in the same field of exploration, was 
attached to the vessel as Surgeon. 

The following extract from the Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, 
under date of Dec. 4, 1852, gives the official record of his action in the matter : — 

* % * 

“ Lady Franklin, whose devotion to the cause of her unfortunate husband 
has excited so large a sympathy in the United States, has been encouraged to 
make another effort to determine the fate of the gallant navigator of the Arctic 
seas, and is now intent upon the organization of a new expedition, under the 
auspices of our countrymen, Mr. Henry Grinnell, of New York, and Mr. George 
Peabody, of London. >S< >J< ^ ^ 

The distinguished lady, whose sorrows have inspired this zeal of adventure 
and whose energy has given jt an intelligent and hopeful direction, has done no 
more than justice to a meritorious young officer of our Navy, Passed-Assistant 
Surgeon Kane, in asking his co-operation in this hazardous expedition. * * 

The request of Lady Franklin, to enlist Dr. Kane in the new expedition has 
been handed to me and I have not delayed to give him the necessary permission 
and to confer upon him all the benefit he may derive from his position in the 
Navy by an order which puts him upon special service. 

If it should become requisite in the field of operations to which he is destined 
to provide him with the means for the prosecution of scientific study beyond 
those which may be afforded by the Department and the liberality of the distin- 
guished gentlemen who have assumed charge of this expedition, I would com- 
mend it to the enlightened regard of Congress with the most confident hope that 
that body will respond to the suggestions of this necessity with a prompt appreci- 
ation and generous support of an undertaking so honorable to humanity and so 
useful to the enlargement of liberal science. ” * * * * 

Dr. Kane’s assignment to duty in connection with the expedition was 
issued in November, 1852, as follows; 


18 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


Navy Department, Washington, D. C., November 27, 1852. 

Sir : — Lady Franklin having urged you to undertake a search for her husband, 
Sir John Franklin and his companions, and a vessel — the Advance — having been 
placed at your disposition by Mr. Grinnell, you are hereby assigned to special 
duty for the purpose of conducting an overland journey from the upper waters of 
Baffin's bay to the shores of the Polar seas. 

Relying upon your zeal and discretion, the Department sends you forth upon 
an undertaking which will be attended with great peril and exposure. Trusting 
that you will be sustained by the laudable object in view, and wishing you suc- 
cess and a safe return to your friends, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy. 

Passed-Assistant Surgeon, E. K. Kane, U. S. Navy. 

In February the scope of his duties was enlarged by the following additional 
instructions : 

Navy Department, February 9, 1853. 

Sir : — In connection with the special duty assigned to you by the order of 
this Department, bearing date Nov. 27, 1852, your attention is invited to objects 
of scientific inquiry, particularly to such as relate to the existence of an open 
Polar Sea, terrestrial magnetism, general meteorology and subjects of importance 
connected with natural history. 

John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy. 

The expedition sailed from New York, May 30, 1853, and reached Uperna- 
vick, in Greenland, July 24, and Dr. Kane's report of his arrival at this place 
was the last tidings received of him or his party for more than two years, during 
a portion of which time they were mourned as sharers of Sir John Franklin's fate. 

In the fall of 1854 the friends of the missing navigators became alarmed at 
their long absence and took steps to have a naval vessel sent in search of them. 
As this required legislation, application was made to Congress for the necessary 
authority, and December 18, 1854, Mr. Brodhead, of Pa., submitted for the con- 
sideration of the Senate the following resolution : 

Resolved , That the Committee on Naval Affairs be instructed to inquire into 
the expediency of sending a steamer and tender to the Arctic seas for the purpose 
of rescuing or affording relief to Passed-Assistant Surgeon, E. K. Kane, of the 
United States Navy, and the officers and men under his command. 

On the 19th the Senate proceeded to consider this resolution, and the follow- 
ing extracts are made from Mr. Brodhead' s remarks in its support : 

4: 4: 4: 4: ^ 4: 

“ Lady Franklin urged him to take command of another expedition in search 
of her husband; Mr. Grinnell gave his tried vessel, the Advance; Mr. Peabody 
of London gave $10,000; and Dr. Kane used his exertions as a lecturer and his 
influence with different scientific institutions to make up the rest. He had, how- 
ever, succeeded but partially, when Mr. Kennedy, the then Secretary of the 
Navy, took an important part in consummating the scheme. He gave Dr. Kane 
orders, as a navy officer, to take command of the expedition, assigned to him the 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


91 


services of several warrant officers and seamen, provided hospital and other stores, 
astronomical and nautical instruments, &c., &c., furnished the vessel with a 
library, and finally ordered Dr. Kane to report fully to the Department on his 
return. The cause of science was thus to be advanced by governmental aid. 

* * Dr. Kane is a gallant officer, conducting a hazardous and mer- 

itorious enterprise with the consent and under the orders of the government, and 
hence it becomes the duty of a generous Government, representing a generous 
people, to take measures for his rescue or relief. We have officers and men un- 
employed; officers have already volunteered and there will be no difficulty in 
procuring men of the best sort, and I therefore hope the resolution will be 
adopted.” 

There was no opposition, and the resolution was adopted without discussion. 

On the same day — December 19th — Mr. Fish, of New York, presented the 
memorial of James Brown and others, of New York, praying that an expedition 
be sent to the Polar seas for the purpose of affording relief to Dr. Kane, his offi- 
cers and crew; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. 

In the Senate, January 10, 1855, Mr. Brodhead called up the matter and 
said : 

“The Committee on Naval Affairs to whom were referred memorials from the 
Chamber of Commerce, New York; from James Brown and others, of New 
York; from the Board of Trade, of Philadelphia; from the Board of Trade, of 
Boston; from the Life Saving Benevolent Association, of New York; from the 
Marine Insurance Companies of New York; from the American Philosophical 
Society, of Philadelphia, and others, asking Congress to extend relief to Passed 
Assistant Surgeon Kane, have instructed me to report a joint resolution respect- 
ing the Arctic Expedition, commanded by Dr. Kane.” 

The joint resolution was read a first time, and ordered to a second reading. 

Mr. Brodhead urged immediate consideration, but objection being made by 
Mr. Badger, it went over. 

Senate, January 15th, 1855. 

On motion of Mr. Brodhead the joint resolution was taken up, and after a 
brief discussion passed with an amendment, providing that the steamer and ten- 
der should be officered and manned by volunteers from the Navy and others 
who may declare their willingness to be so engaged. 

Previous to the vote : Mr. Hunter, of Virginia, expressed a doubt as to 

the propriety of the proposed expedition, as probably involving the government 
in an endless series of expeditions. 

Mr. Mallory, of Florida, in reply, gave a brief statement of Dr. Kane’s 
plans, which included provision for such an emergency as had actually arisen, 
showed that the object of the proposed expedition could be accomplished in a 
few months without serious risk or loss. 

In the House of Representatives the friends of the missing ones had not 
been idle, as the following record shows : 


20 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


December ii, 1854. 

Mr. Florence, of Pa., asked consent to offer a resolution providing for 
an expedition for the relief of Dr. Kane, but objection was made by Mr Jones, 
of Tennessee, and the resolution was not received. 

December 14. 

Mr. Wheeler, of New York, introduced a memorial on the subject from the 
Chamber of Commerce, of New York, which was sent to the Committee on 
Naval Affairs. 

January 22d, 1855. 

Mr. Pennington, of New Jersey, presented a memorial in favor of the 
Kane relief expedition, from the Governor of New Jersey and the State Legis- 
lature, which was referred to the Naval Committee. 

Mr. Chandler, of Pennsylvania, asked consent to take from the Speaker’s 
table the Senate joint resolution, and called attention to the necessity of speedy 
action. 

Mr. Smith, of Virginia, objected and the matter went over. 

January 25th, 1855. 

Mr. Chandler, of Pennsylvania, again tried to get the resolution from the 
Speaker’s table, but objection was made by Mr. Millson, of Virginia. 

January 29, 1855. 

The Speaker laid before the House a communication from the Governor of 
Pennsylvania, transmitting copy of a resolution adopted by the Legislature of 
that State, in favor of an expedition to rescue Dr. Kane and his crew. 

Mr. Florence moved its reference to the Naval Committee, when Mr. 
Chandler again asked that the Senate joint resolution be taken up, and after some 
discussion the rules were suspended, and after an eloquent statement from Mr. 
Chandler of the circumstances under which the relief was rendered necessary, 
the resolution passed, in the following words. 

Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 

America, in Congress Assembled : 

That the Secretary of the Navy be and he is hereby authorized to provide 
and dispatch a sub able naval or other steamer, and if necessary a tender, to the 
Arctic Seas, for the purpose of rescuing or affording relief to Passed Assistant 
Surgeon E. K. Kane, of the United States Navy, and the officers and men 
under his command ; 

Provided , That such steamer and tender shall be officered and manned by 
volunteers from the Navy and others who may declare their willingness to be so 
engaged. 

(Approved February 3d, 1855.) 

Money was now needed to fit out the search expedition, and this was 
speedily provided, as the record shows that in the Senate March 3d, 1855, the 
Naval Appropriation Bill being under consideration, the following amendment 
was offered by the Committee on Finance and adopted : 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


21 


“To enable the Secretary of the Navy to carry into effect the joint resolu- 
tion respecting the Arctic Expedition commanded by Passed Assistant Surgeon E. 
K. Kane, or so much thereof as may be necessary — $150,000." 

The time for preparation was limited ; but with the aid of energetic officers 
and the active and praiseworthy co-operation of the naval contractors and mechan- 
ics at the navy yards of Brooklyn and Philadelphia, two small vessels were ad- 
mirably and rapidly fitted out. 

Excellent officers volunteered — good seamen enlisted — complete supply of 
provisions and clothing for two years of rough exposure was laid in, and on 
the 4th of June the little party of brave and philanthropic adventurers left New 
York Harbor, amid the encouraging cheers of their countrymen, who knew so 
well how to appreciate such acts of daring and humanity. The expedition con 
sisted of two vessels — the barque Release, and steamer Arctic — and was com- 
manded by Lt. Henry J. Hartstene, U. S. Navy, who received the following 
instructions for his guidance : 

Navy Dept., May 25, 1855. 

Sir: — A resolution of Congress, approved Feb. 3, 1855, authorizes the Sec- 
retary of the Navy to provide and dispatch a suitable naval or other steamer, and 
if necessary, a tender, to the Arctic seas, for the purpose of rescuing or affording 
relief to Passed-Assistant Surgeon, E. K. Kane, of the United States Navy, and 
the officers and men under his command. 

The barque Release and steamer Arctic, having been procured, and espec- 
ially fitted and equipped for this service under your supervision and inspection, 
with full rations and extra provisions for two years, and clothing peculiarly 
adapted for the climate of the Arctic region, and such officers and men detailed 
as the department, as well as yourself, considered necessary and sufficient, and 
the command of the expedition having been already assigned to you, you will, so 
soon as the above named vessels are, in all respects, ready for you, proceed with 
them, by all means as early as the first of June, in the prosecution of the object 
of the resolution of Congress. Economize as much as possible in the way of 
coal. * * * * * * ' 

m 

J. C. Dobbin, Sec’y. of Navy. 

The following named officers of the Navy were attached to the vessels of the 
expedition : 

To the “ Release.” — Commander H. J. Hartstene, Commander of the 
Expedition; Lieutenants, William S. Lovell, and Joseph P. Fyffe ; Assistant Sur- 
geon, James Laws, and Boatswain Van R. Hall. 

To the “Arctic. ” — Lieutenant Commander, Charles C. Simms; Lieuten- 
ant, Watson Smith; First Assistant Engineer, Harman Newell. Dr. John K. 
Kane, brother of the explorer, was attached to the Arctic as Medical Officer. 

The story of their achievements and the successful relief of Dr. Kane and 
party, is briefly but eloquently told in the report of the Secretary of the Navy, 

J. C. Dobbin, as follows : 

4: ^ ^ 


The recital of their hair-breadth escapes, their 


22 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


terrible conflicts with nature, which seemed to mock their efforts — their alterna- 
tions of sad misgivings and sustaining hopes, impart truly an air of romance to 
this unostentatious exhibition of genuine heroism. In about four months with 
their little barques, they sailed eight thousand miles , fully circumnavigated Baffin’s 
Bay, passed further north into Smith’s Sound at the northern boundary than any 
one save Dr. Kane, and nearly to Beechy Island — visited a village of Esqui- 
maux, from whom, after hours of difficulty, by means of signs and drawings, they 
learnt the point to which Dr. Kane and his party had directed their course — im- 
mediately changed their route, found the unhappy party at Disco Island, and re- 
turned them in safety to their country and friends — thus accomplishing the 
benevolent purposes of Congress.” 

The relief expedition reached New York on its return, October nth, 1855. 

In the House of Representatives, March 7, 1856, Mr. Tyson, of Pennsyl- 
vania, on leave, presented resolutions passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, 
of thanks to Dr. Kane and his officers and crew for the successful result of their 
recent expedition to the Polar region, which were laid on the table and ordered 
to be printed. 

March 11, 1856, Mr. Tyson, by unanimous consent, introduced the follow- 
ing preamble and resolution, which were read, considered and agreed to : 

Whereas, The intrepid conduct and scientific zeal of Dr. Elisha Kent Kane 
in his late expedition to the Polar regions in search of Sir John Franklin, aided 
by the officers and men under his command, have placed his name in the first 
rank among Arctic explorers; and, 

Whereas, The observations and discoveries he has made are important ad- 
ditions to geographical and meteorological science, and valuable in the light 
which they shed upon the currents of the ocean ; upon the mysterious changes in 
the magnetic needle, and upon the physical laws of this globe; and 

Whereas, The narrative of these heroic labors and their magnificent re- 
sults, should be widely diffused as well to encourage the spirit of scientific re- 
search among our countrymen as to express the profound sense we entertained of 
the merits and services of the explorer ; therefore, 

Resolved , That the Committee on the Library be instructed to inquire into 
•the character of the book about to be issued by Dr. Kane, as to letter-press, illus- 
trations, and binding, and report their opinion of the expediency of ordering a 
certain number of copies thereof for use and distribution. 

The attempt to connect the Government with a private firm in publishing an 
unofficial narrative of a private expedition, was unsuccessful, as will be seen from 
the following extracts from the Globe. 

April 16, 1856. 

Mr. Tyson, from the Library Committee, submitted a report on the resolu- 
tion for the purchase of Dr. Kane’s Narrative, and recommended the purchase of 
fifteen thousand copies for the use of Congress ; a'so recommending that medals 
be struck and presented to Dr. Kane, his officers and men, respectively, as an 
expression of the high estimation in which Congress held their merits and ser- 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


23 


vices. After a long discussion, in which considerable feeling was manifested, 
the resolution was passed as reported. 

Senate — March 12, 1856. 

Mr. Bigler, of Pennsylvania, presented the resolution of the Pennsylvania 
Legislature, and moved their reference to the Committee on the Library, with 
instructions to inquire into the expediency of purchasing for the use of the Senate 
a certain number of copies of Dr. Kane’s Narrative, to be published in Philadel- 
phia. In the course of his remarks upon the resolutions, Mr. Bigler said : 

* * * * * “ The feats of the most daring on the 

field of battle are not better calculated to touch the chords of the American heart, 
and to command general admiration, than the startling discoveries and thrilling 
adventures incident to the career of a daring navigator and explorer. The feel- 
ing is peculiarly strong with an enterprising and progressive people. 

“The Royal Geographical Society of England has by resolution assigned 
to him a front rank among Arctic explorers. It has also in store for him, as 
I learn, a personal compliment in the shape of a gold medal. The French Gov- 
ernment, also, ever magnanimous in its recognition of genius and courage, and 
generous in its patronage of the arts and sc'ences, has congratulated the Doctor 
on his triumphs. The Legislature of Pennsylvania, Kane’s native State, have 
thanked him for the honor his career has conferred upon her people. The Leg- 
islature of New York, by unanimous consent, have evinced their estimate of the 
expedition by presenting its leader with a gold medal. Complimentary resolu- 
tions have also been passed by the Legislatures of Maryland and New Jersey. 


* 


* 




* 


* 


“ Some of the ancients we read honored civilians as well as soldiers, and 
surely in no age, ancient or modern, should the daring navigator and discoverer 
command less of his country’s admiration and bounty. The brave man who 
plants the flag of his country in the enemy’s camp, is worthy of distinction, but 
not more so than he who extends the limits of civilization and human knowledge 
at the risk of life and the loss of health and comfort. The most desperate in 
battle do not evince a higher degree of true courage. 

* * * * * “ They are entitled to the gratitude and 

admiration of the whole human race, and will be to the end of time.” 


* 


* 


* 






* 




* 


Mr. Seward, of New York, submitted a substitute for the resolution, which 
was accepted by Mr. Bigler and read as follows : 

Resolved , That the Committee on the Library be instructed to purchase, for 
the use of the Senate, ten thousand copies of Dr. Kane’s Narrative of his late 
Expedition to the Arctic regions, from Messrs. Childs & Peterson : Provided the 
price shall not exceed five dollars per copy. 

Mr. Brodhead, of Pennsylvania, suggested an amendment, that if the Com- 
mittee found the work to be a useful one, and yet not consider it expedient to 
purchase an unofficial book, a bill be reported authorizing a direct money pay- 
ment of $10,000 or $20,000 to Dr. Kane. He doubted the propriety of going 


24 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE . 


into partnership with any publishing firm in the United States, and cited the 
amount voted Commodore Perry for his services in the Japan Expedition as a 
precedent. 

Mr. Bigler stated that Dr. Kane felt a delicacy in appearing before the 
country as a claimant for pecuniary reward, and hence he thought the plan indi- 
cated by the resolution the best. 

After a brief discussion the subject, on motion of Mr. Seward, went over 

until next day. 

«/ 

Senate, March 13, 1856. 

The consideration of Mr. Brodhead’s amendment was renewed and discussed 
at length without any definite result, and it was again postponed. 

Senate, March 24, 1856. 

Mr. Seward called up the resolution concerning Dr. Kane, and his substi- 
tute was adopted, as follows : 

Resolved , That the Committee on the Library be instructed to inquire into 
the expediency of some legislative recognition of the eminent services and suc- 
cess of the recent expedition of Dr. Kane to the Arctic regions. 

Senate, April 18, 1856. 

The joint resolution for the purchase of Dr. Kane’s forthcoming work, and 
for the presentation of medals, was read twice and referred to the Committee on 
Library. 

Senate, August 11, 1856. 

Mr. Pearce, of Maryland, from the Committee on the Library, reported 
back the resolution for purchase of books and presentation of medals, with an 
amendment and a written report, and asked immediate consideration, unless 
debate was likely to ensue. At the request of several Senators it went over, and 
the report was ordered to be printed 

Senate, August 18, 1856 

The joint resolution was reached on the calendar, and on Mr. Clay’s motion 
its consideration was postponed until the second Monday in December. 

Senate, Dec. 18, 1856. 

Mr. Pearce called up the joint resolution and stated that the recommendation 
of the Library Committee which had it in charge was to strike out the clause pro- 
viding for the purchase of 15,000 copies of Dr. Kane’s work, and retain only the 
clause to provide medals. The title was changed to correspond with this recom- 
mendation and it passed as amended without debate. 

House of Representatives, March 3, 1857. 

On motion of Mr. Tyson the House passed the joint resolution awarding 
medals to Dr. Kane, as amended by the Senate, in the following words : 

Resolved , By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 
in Congress assembled, 

That the Secretary of the Navy shall cause to be struck and presented to Dr. 
Kane, his officers and men respectively, such appropriate medals as in the judg- 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


ment of the said Secretary shall express the high estimation in which Congress 
holds their respective merits and services. 

Approved March 3. 1857. 


Senate, April 2, 1856. 

Mr. Mason, of Virginia, from Committee on Foreign Relations reported a 
joint resolution granting permission to Dr. Kane and his officers to receive from 
the British Government some expression of their thankfulness for services render- 
ed in connection with the search for Sir John Franklin. 

The resolution was supported by Messrs. Cass and Mason, and opposed by 
Messrs. Crittenden, Bayard and Reid, and modification suggested by Messrs. Sew- 
ard and Toucey ; but went over without action. 


Senate, May 26, 1856. 

Mr. Mason of Virginia, called up the resolution authorizing Dr. Kane and 
the officers associated with him in his arctic expedition, to receive certain pres~ 
ents from the British government, and recommended its passage. After a brief 
discussion the yeas and nays were ordered, and resulted, yeas 33, nays 4. 


House of Representatives, Aug. 30, 1856. 

Mr. Pennington called up the joint resolution authorizing acceptance of tes- 
timonial from the British government, and it was passed without debate. 

The following is the text as passed : 


Whereas, The President of the United States has communicated to Congress 
a request from the Government of Great Britain that permission should be given 
by this government allowing Dr. Elisha K. Kane, a Passed-Assistant Surgeon in the 
navy of the United States, and the officers who were with him in his late expedi- 
tion to the arctic seas in search of Sir John Franklin, to accept from the govern- 
ment of Great Britain some “token of thankfulness,” and as a memorial of the 
sense entertained by that government of “their arduous and generous service 
in that behalf, be it therefore 


Resolved By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 
of America in Congress assembled, that Congress hereby consents that Dr. Elisha 
K. Kane, of the navy of the United States, and such of the officers who were 
with him in the expedition aforesaid as may yet remain in the service of the 
United States, may accept from the government of Great Britain such token of 
the character aforesaid as it may be the pleasure of that government to present to 
them. 

Approved August 30, 1856. 

In the Senate, Feb. 24, 1857, Mr. Fish called up the following joint resolution 
which was passed after a brief discussion of its object : 


26 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE . 


“ The Secretary is hereby authorized to pay to the officers and seamen of the 
expedition sent in search of Dr. Kane and his companions, while on duty in con- 
nection with said expedition, the same rate of compensation that was allowed to 
the officers and seamen in the expedition under Lt. De Haven ; and to such offi- 
cers as were not mentioned in said expedition, the following additional compensa- 
tion, namely : The lieutenants and masters, the pay of a lieutenant commanding ; 

the first-assistant engineer, the pay of a chief engineer ; and the clerk, the pay of 
a secretary to commander of a squadron. 

This resolution was referred to the committee on naval affairs in the House of 
Representatives Dec. 7, 1858, and was reported adversely from that committee, 
January 14, 1859, by Mr. Sherman, of Ohio. It therefore failed to become a law. 

The following resolution, approved March 16, 1858, closes the favorable 
Congressional action in relation to this expedition : 

Resolved , That the officers and men engaged in the several expeditions which 
have been fitted out in the United States for the recovery of Sir John Franklin 
and his companions be authorized to accept the medals recently transmitted to 
this government for presentation to them by the government of Great Britain. 


III. 

THE RECOVERY OF THE RESOLUTE. 

The Recovery of the Resolute and the subsequent official disposition made 
of her, form an interesting episode in the history of Arctic adventure, the record 
of which appears to come properly within the scope of these articles. 

The British barque Resolute was abandoned May 15th, 1854, in Wellington 
Inlet, by order of Sir Edward Belcher, and after a drift of over one thousand 
miles was picked up about the first of September, 1855, near Cape Mercy, by 
Capt. James Buddington, of the American whaler, “ George Henry/’ and brought 
to the port of New London, as a prize. The fact of the recovery of the vessel 
was brought to the attention of the authorities in Washington, and resulted in its 
purchase by the government and presentation to the British government as an act 
of high international courtesy. The story is fully told in the official proceedings 
which follow. It is noteworthy that the first man to board the Resolute from the 
George Henry, was Capt. Geo. E. Tyson, then serving on the latter vessel as 
“ boat-steerer,” but since identified with the cruise of the Polaris, the extra- 
ordinary ice-drift of one hundred and ninety-eight days, and the recent voyage 
of the Florence, as a member of the Preliminary Arctic Expedition of 1877. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


11 


CONGRESSIONAL ACTION. 

In Senate, June io, 1856 — Mr. Foster, of Conn., offered a resolution in- 
structing the Committee on Commerce to inquire into the expediency of author- 
izing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a register to the British-built barque, 
“ Resolute, ” found derelict, near Cumberland Inlet, in the Arctic ocean, by the 
officers and crew of the American whaling ship George Henry, of New London, 
Conn., and by said salvors brought into the port of New London all claim to 
said vessel by the British government, having been relinquished to the salvors. 
Mr. Foster stated that this barque was one of a squadron sent out by the English 
government to the Arctic ocean in search of Sir John Franklin, and was aban- 
doned by the officers and crew belonging to her, in Wellington Inlet. Eighteen 
months afterward she was discovered by the “George Henry” imbedded in the 
ice more than one thousand miles from the place where she was abandoned. 

Mr. Mason, of Virginia, suggested that the proper disposition of the vessel 
would be for the LTnited States to purchase her and refit her in a proper manner 
and send her back to England as an act of national courtesy. Whereupon Mr. 
Foster withdrew his resolution. 


In Senate, June 24, 1856. 

Mr. Mason, ot Va. , introduced a joint resolution authorizing the purchase 
and restoration to the British government of the ship “ Resolute,” late of the 
British Navy. Pending the consideration of the resolution, Mr. Foster, of Conn., 
said, “in regard to the ship there are certain circumstances that make it of pecu- 
liar value to the government of Great Britain. It is the ship that was enabled 
to communicate with the crew of another ship belonging to the British navy, the 
Investigator, which went through Behring’s strait, intending to make the north- 
west passage in that direction by sailing to the east, but having got locked in the 
ice, remained for two years in the bay of Mercy, I believe. While lying there, 
this ship — the “ Resolute ” — by sending a party of men across some two hundred 
miles or thereabouts, communicated with the Investigator and tier crew, 
commanded by Capt. McClure, and brought those men from the Investigator 
eastward to where the Resolute was lying. The northwest passage was thus car- 
ried out practically by these two ships ; neither, however, having completed it by 
passing through the water, but by the men passing through over the ice on 
sledges.” There was no opposition, and ihe resolution passed unanimously. 

In the House of Representatives, Aug. 27, 1856. 

Mr. Clingman called up the Senate resolution, and stating its purport and 
object, requested its immediate consideration. Mr. Jones called for the yeas 
and nays, but they were not ordered, and the resolution passed without amend- 
ment or debate in the following words : 

Whereas, It has became known to Congress that the ship “Resolute,” late 


'28 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


of the Navy of her Majesty, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain 
and Ireland, on service in the Arctic seas, in search of Sir John Franklin and 
the survivors of the expedition under his command, was rescued and recovered 
in those seas by the officers and crew of the American whaleship, the “ George 
Henry,” after the “ Resolute” had been necessarily abandoned in the ice by her 
officers and crew, and after drifting still in the ice for more than one thousand 
miles from the place where so abandoned, and that the said ship “ Resolute,” 
having been brought to the United States by the salvors at great risk and peril, 
had been generously relinquished to them by her Majesty’s government. Now, 
in token of the deep interest felt in the United States for the service in which 
her Majesty’s said ship was engaged when thus necessarily abandoned, and of 
the sense entertained by Congress of the act of her Majesty’s government in sur- 
rendering said ship to the salvors, 

Be it resolved , by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United 
States be, and he is hereby requested, to cause the said ship “Resolute,” with 
all her armament, equipment, and the property on board when she arrived in the 
United States, and which has been preserved in good condition, to be purchased 
of her present owners, and that he send the said ship with everything pertaining 
to her as aforesaid, after being fully equipped at one of the navy-yards of the 
United States, back to England, under control of the Secretary of the Navy, 
with a request to her Majesty’s government, that the United States may be al- 
lowed to restore the said ship “ Resolute ” to her Majesty’s service ; and for the 
purchase of said ship and her appurtenances, as aforesaid, the sum of forty thou- 
sand dollars, or so much thereof as may be required, is hereby appropriated, 
to be paid out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. 

The resolution received the presidential approval on the same date, Aug. 28, 
1856, and on the 13th of November, the Resolute, under command of Com- 
mander Hartstene, sailed from New York Harbor for England. She arrived at 
Portsmouth, December 12th, and on the 16th was delivered to the Queen of 
Great Britain in person. 

The following message from the President of the United States, transmitting 
copies of a correspondence growing out of the restoration of the vessel to her 
Brittanic Majesty’s service, gives a detailed account of the official ceremonies 
attending the transfer. 

January 20, 1857. — Laid upon the table and ordered to be printed. 

To the Senate and House of Representatives : 

Soon after the close of the last session of Congress, I directed steps to be 
taken to carry into effect the joint resolution of August 28, 1856, relative to the 
restoration of the ship “Resolute” to her Brittanic Majesty’s service. The 
ship was purchased of the salvors at the sum appropriated for the purpose, and 
“ after being fully repaired and equipped,” was sent to England under control of 
the Secretary of the Navy. The letter from her Majesty’s minister of foreign al- 
fairs now communicated to Congress in conformity with his request, and copies 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


lit) 


of correspondence from the files of the Departments of State and of the Navy, 
also transmitted herewith, will apprize you of the manner in which the joint reso- 
lution has been fully executed, and show how agreeable the proceeding has been 
to her Majesty’s government. 

Franklin Pierce. 

Washington, Jan. 19, 1857. 


MR 


DALLAS TO MR. MARCY. 

(Extract.) 

Legation of the United States, 
London, December 19, 1856. 


Sir : 


* 


vL 

-T* 




vV 

"C* 


* 


Late in the morning of Saturday, the 13th inst. , your No. 36 was delivered to 
me by Commander Hartstene, who had that morning arrived with the barque 
“ Resolute” at Portsmouth. I addressed the Earl of Clarendon at once in con- 
formity with your instructions, tendering the ship to the British government with 
a request that the United States might be allowed to restore her to her Majesty’s 
service. In a private note I also sought an interview with his lordship, in order 
to arrange whatever formalities the proceeding might require. He was out of 
town, but on Monday I received a note from him saying he would return to Lon- 
don, and be happy to see me at three o’clock on Tuesday the 16th inst. Our 
conference was an entirely agreeable one ; his lordship characterizing the restora- 
tion of the “Resolute” as an act of national courtesy, wholly unprecedented, 
and which could not fail to have the most beneficial influence upon the relations 
of the two countries. As I desired to put Capt. Hartstene in communication 
with the admiralty, I made inquiries about Sir Charles Wood, and was informed 
by his lordship that he was probably at his country residence, but should be im- 
mediately apprized of my wishes, and would, no doubt, come to the city without 
delay. At about nine o’clock that night (Tuesday) I received the reply of her 
Majesty’s principal Secretary of State for foreign affairs to my offering letter of 
the 13th. Copies of these communications accompany this despatch * * 


^ ^ ^ 

1 have the honor to be . 

Your most obedient servant, 

Hon. W. L. Marcy, Sec. of State. G. M. Dallas. 

MR. DALLAS TO THE EARL OF CLARENDON. 

Legation of the United States, ) 
London, Dec. 13, 1856. j 

My Lord : — The barque Resolute under the command of Commander Hart- 
stene, of the United States Navy, having reached Portsmouth, 1 beg leave briefly 
to invoke your lordship’s attention to the cause and object of her arrival. 

It will be recollected that this vessel formerly belonged to her Majesty’s 
navy, and had been employed on a perilous service which enlisted the co-opera- 
tive sympathies and exertions of the American government and people. The 
officers and crew, after gallantly enduring prolonged suffering, left her inextrica- 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE . 


30 

bly imbedded, as they had just reason to believe, in the ice of the arctic region. 
She was, however, about two years afterwards, discovered adrift, more than 
twelve hundred miles from the place at which she had been abandoned, and was 
taken by certain American seamen to their own country. All claim to recover 
and repossess her was generously waived by her Majesty’s government in favor 
of those by whom she had been rescued. 

The Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in their late 
session, expressed by a joint resolution, the sincere disposition and purpose of 
the nation on this subject, and I have the honor to place before your lordship a 
duly authenticated copy of that act. I am now specially instructed by the Presi- 
dent, while conveying to your lordship the assurance of his cordial gratification 
in directing such a measure of comity to a friendly power, to fulfill the congres- 
sional injunction by tendering the barque Resolute to her Majesty’s government, 
and’ by requesting that the United States may be allowed to restore that vessel, 
with all her armament, equipment and property, preserved in good condition, to 
her Majesty’s service. Seizing an occasion so agreeable personally, to renew the 
expression of my highest consideration. 

I have the honor to be, your lordship’s 

Most obedient servant, 

G. M. Dallas. 

To the Right Hon. Earl of Clarendon. 

THE EARL OF CLARENDON TO MR. DALLAS. 

Foreign Office, Dec. 17, 1856. 

Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th 
hist., announcing to us the arrival of the barque “Resolute” at Portsmouth, 
under the command of Captain Hartstene of the United States Navy. That after 
having been unavoidably abandoned in the ice while employed in the service of 
her Majesty on an expedition in the arctic seas, in search of Sir John Franklin, she 
was discovered two years afterward adrift, more than twelve hundred miles from 
the place where she was abandoned and was taken to the United States by Amer- 
ican seamen, in whose favor her Majesty’s government relinquished all claim to 
the ship. Under these circumstances the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States, by a joint resolution, of which you transmit to me a certified 
copy, authorized the President of the United States to purchase the “ Resolute ” 
of her salvors, with all her armament, equipment and the property on board of 
her when she arrived in the United States, and to cause the ship with everything 
belonging to her, after being fully repaired at one of the Navy yards of the 
United States, to be sent back to England in order to be restored to her Majesty’s 
service, as a testimony of the deep interest felt in the United States for the ser- 
vice in which the ship was engaged when she was necessarily abandoned. 

I have not failed to lay your letter and its enclosures before the Queen, and 
I have received her Majesty’s commands to acquaint you that she gratefully 
accepts the offer thus made of the restoration of the “ Resolute ” to her service. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


31 


I beg to assure you that the friendly feeling on the part ol the Senate and House 
of Representatives which prompted this measure, and the generous and complete 
manner in which it has been carried into effect by the President and his govern- 
ment, are most highly appreciated by the Queen and rhe Majesty’s government, 
and I am confident by the British nation at large. 1 request you, sir, to have the 
goodness to convey to the President and to request him to communicate to the 
Legislature of the United States, the cordial thanks ol the Queen and ol the 
British government for an act of generosity and the sympathy which will meet 
with a warm response in this country, and cannot fail to strengthen the kindly 
feelings which unite the people and governments of the two nations. 

I beg to add that the Queen has signified her intention to visit the “ Reso- 
lute ” off Cowes, on this day, in recognition of the munificence of the Legislature 
and government of the United States in restoring that vessel to her Majesty’s 
service and in compliment to the officers and crew who have brought her to this 
country. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of the 
highest consideration with which I have the honor to be Sir, 

Your most obedient humble servant, Clarendon. 

Navy Department, November 8, 1856. 

Sir: — The department has placed you in command of the ‘‘Resolute” re- 
cently fully repaired and fitted out by the United States with a view to her 
restoration to the British government, in pursuance of a joint resolution of Con- 
gress, approved Aug. 28, 1856. You will, so soon as she is in all respects re’ady 
for sea, proceed to England entering the port of Portsmouth. Leaving her there 
in charge or the officers under your command, you will proceed immediately to 
London in order to advise with the American minister, Hon. G. M. Dallas, to 
whom you will deliver the enclosed despatch from the Department of State. 
Accompanying these instructions you will receive an open communication from 
this department to Sir Charles Wood, the first lord of the Admiralty, who will, I 
presume, advise you as to the proper disposition of the ship in the event of her 
Majesty’s government accepting her. You will consult freely with Mr. Dallas 
and will find it convenient to be guided in your movement by suggestions from 
one so peculiarly competent as he is. 

When you have performed the duty assigned to you, you will make arrange- 
ments for the return of the officers and men, exercising all prudence and econo- 
my. Previous despatches have instructed you as to the mode of procuring funds 
to effect your purposes. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. C. Dobbin. 

Commander H. J. Hartstene, U. S. N., 

Commanding Barque Resolute, New York. 

United States Navy Department, Washington, Nov. 8, 1856. 

Sir : — This communication will be delivered to you by Commander Henry 
J. Hartstene, of the United States Navy, who goes to England in command of 
the “ Resolute ” under orders from his government with a view to carrying into 


32 


CONGRESS A AW THE NORTH POLE. 


execution “ a resolution authorizing the purchase and restoration to the British 
Government of the ship 4 Resolute 5 late of the British Navy”, a copy of which 
1 have the honor to enclose herewith. 

The language of the preamble and the resolution so distinctly announces the 
considerations which prompted their adoption and approval as to dispense with 
their repetition and recital on my part. This very agreeable duty is performed 
by me, Sir, with much pleasure. The ship has been thoroughly repaired and has 
on board “all her armament, equipment and property” which has been preserved 
in good condition. In pursuance of the resolution the President requests to her 
Majesty’s government to allow him to restore the ship “ Resolute” to her 
Majesty’s service. 

Commander Hartstene is ordered to deliver the vessel at any port and to* 
any officer, to be designated at the pleasure of her Majesty’s government. 

Accept assurances of high respect, etc. etc. 

J. C. Dobbin, Sec. of the Navy. 

To the Right Hon. Sir Charles Wood, Bart. 

First Lord of her Brittanic Majesty’s Admiralty. 

London, Dec. 19, 1856. 

Sir : — I have the honor to inform you that after a boisterous passage we 
anchored at Spithead on the 12th inst. , at half past two o’clock p. m., with the 
United States and British ensigns living at the peak. Notwithstanding the furious 
gale, which was then raging, we were immediately boarded by Capt. Peale of her 
Brittanic Majesty’s frigate Shannon, who cordially offered to us every civility and 
attention. In a few moments afterward a steamer arrived from Vice Admiral 
Sir George Seymour (commanding officer of the station), with a tender of services 
and congratulations on our safe arrival. Proceeding to Portsmouth next morning 
(which I did in a government steamer provided me for that purpose) I visited the 
United States consulate and was there waited upon by Sir Thomas Maitland (who 
has become commanding officer of the Naval station in the absence of the Admiral 
Sir George Seymour), and received from him a most cordial welcome with prof- 
fers of every possible service. By express instructions from the Admiralty accommo- 
dations were prepared for 11s at the first hotel, and orders for a bountiful supply 
of provisions to be sent on board the “Resolute”, also a carte blanche for the 
railroad to London, for myself and the officers of the “ Resolute.” In fact noth- 
ing could exceed the kindness and courtesy with which we were treated by Capt. 
Sir Thomas Maitland, who seemed unwilling that any means of adding to his 
hearty expressions of welcome should pass unexhausted. That morning’s post 
brought me a communication from Sir Charles Wood, first Lord of the Admiralty, 
(which I herewith enclose) whose expressions of kindly feeling 1 beg may be par- 
ticularly noticed. At noon of the day after our arrival, a royal salute was fired 
from the “ Victory ” (flagship), from the fortifications and from the “Shannon ” 
at Spithead. As soon as my official visits were made, I proceeded to London 
and delivered to the Hon. Mr. Dallas, Minister plenipotentiary and envoy extra- 
ordinary from the United States, the open communication committed to my 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


33 


charge by the department. In London as well as in Portsmouth, I received the 
most cordial and pressing hospitalities ; in fact scarcely an hour has elapsed with- 
out a proffer of courtesy and hospitality from the municipal corporations, military 
authorities, scientific associations, clubs, etc., etc., all of which I have politely 
declined, except an invitation to dine with Lord Palmerston, also one from Ad- 
miral Sir George Seymour and one from the municipal authorities at Portsmouth. 

Her Majesty and Queen expressing a wish to visit the “Resolute” and a 
desire that that vessel might be taken to Cowes (near her Majesty’s private palace), 
I immediately acceded, and the ship was towed thither by the government steam- 
er, escorted by two other steamers and her Brittanic Majesty’s steam-frigate 
“Retribution.” On the morning of the 16th at ten o’clock a. m., her Majesty the 
Queen, accompanied by his Royal Highness Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, 
the Princess Royal, Princess Alice and several members of the Royal household, 
visited the “Resolute.” She was received with all honors. As her Majesty 
stepped on board, after being presented by Vice Admiral Sir George Seymour, 
K. C. B., I welcomed her, and from the impulse of the moment and in obedience 
to what I conceived to be of the feelings of my countrymen, I delivered the 
“ Resolute” to her Majesty, after which I showed her Majesty all the objects of 
interest, connected with the vessel, with which she appeared much gratified. 

On the afternoon of the same day I received from the Hon. C. B. Phipps, 
C. B. (keeper of her Majesty’s privy purse) a note enclosing a check for ^ioo 
(one hundred pounds), with a request from her Majesty that it should be distri- 
buted among the crew, which I accepted in their behalf. I enclose the note, also 
a letter from the Admiral Sir George Seymour, K. C. B. 

By favor of an invitation from her Majesty the Queen, I dined and spent the 
night at the palace of her Majesty at Osborne, where I was treated with the most 
distinguished attention. On the following morning (Dec. 17), the “Resolute” 
was towed up to the harbor of Portsmouth, escorted by her Majesty’s steam-frigate 
“ Retribution,” and on arriving at her anchorage was received by another royal 
salute and with such an outburst of popular feeling as was never known before. 

I have this day received from Sir Charles Wood, first lord of the Admiralty, 
an invitation (herewith enclosed) which could not be declined. I have accepted 
it and shall, as soon as it is agreeable to her Britannic Majesty’s government, de- 
liver up the “ Resolute” and take advantage of their courteous tender of a pas- 
sage to the LTnited States. Respectfully, &c., 

H. J. Hartstene, Commander U. S. N. 
Hon. J. C. Dobbin, Secretary U. S. Navy, 

Washington, D. C, 

Admiralty, Dec. 12, 1856. 

Sir: — I have this moment heard by telegraph that the “ Resolu'e,” which 
the government of the United States has in a manner so gratifying to the feelings 
of this country, sent over under your command, is entering Portsmouth. I has- 
ten to assure you of the satisfaction with which I have learned of your arrival in this 
4 


34 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


country and of my anxiety to offer to yourself, your officers and crew the warmest 
reception in my power. 

Capt. Sir Thomas Maitland, the senior officer at Portsmouth in the accident- 
al absence of the two admirals, will, I am assured, do everything in his power to 
show the spirit in which we are most anxious that you should be welcomed, and 
when we are apprized of your wishes and intentions as to your stay in this coun- 
try and return to America, we shall be happy to meet them to the utmost. 

This is not a fitting opportunity for saying anything as to the munificent con- 
duct of your government, which will be the subject of communication between 
the governments of our respective countries. I am wishful at present to offer to 
yourself and your companions, personally every civility and courtesy that the 
Board of Admiralty can command. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient and faithful servant, 

Charles Wood. 

Capt. Hartstene. 

Osborne, Dec. 1 6, 1856. 

My Dear Sir : — I have received the command of her Majesty the Queen 
to request that you will have the goodness to distribute amongst the ship’s com- 
pany, who have brought the “Resolute” to England, a hundred pounds, for 
which I beg to enclose a check. 

Her Majesty would wish this to be considered as a personal present from 
herself to the crew, and I am directed to request that you will use your own dis- 
cretion as to the proportions in which it is to be distributed. 

I have the honor to be, my dear sir, faithfully yours, 

C. B. Phipps. 

(private.) 

Admiralty Hotel, Portsmouth, Dec. 17, 1856. 

My Dear Sir : — I have received a note from Lord Palmerston from Broad- 
lands, his country residence, beyond Southampton, in which he says that he does 
not know how long you remain at Portsmouth, but if during your stay you will 
come over with me and dine at Broadlands, it will give Lord Palmerston great 
pleasure to receive us. 

Will you have the kindness to enable me to reply to this invitation to-day 
about five o’clock, or before six. 

I think you will find the visit our prime minister proposes, an agreeable man- 
ner of making his lordship’s acquaintance, and if you can name a day for the 
purpose I shall be happy to accompany you. We can go by the railway from 
Portsmouth to Romsey, which is very near Broadlands. 

I have received no direction about the arrangement for the transfer of the 
“ Resolute,” but I am disposed to think that less ceremony may be requisite 
hereafter, her Majesty’s visit having conveyed a national compliment on the man- 
ner in which the vessel has been restored to this country by the United States. 

I remain, dear sir, your very obedient servant, 

Capt. Hartstene, U. S. N. G. H. Seymour. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


35 


Admiralty, Dec. 18, 1856. 

Dear Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
this day’s date, informing me of the Resolute’s being in Portsmouth harbor. I 
have also received the letter from the Secretary of the Navy of the United States, 
communicating to me the resolution of Congress, in pursuance of which the 
Government of the United States has so liberally presented that ship to her 
Majesty, and sent her over to this country under your command. 

I shall have the honor of addressing the Secretary of the Navy in acknowledg- 
ment of his letter. 

You are good enough to say that you are ready to deliver the Resolute in 
any manner which may be deemed advisable, and I have only to say that orders 
will be given to Vice-Admiral Sir George Seymour, the commander in chief at 
Portsmouth, to make such arrangements for receiving her as may be most 
convenient to yourself, your officers and crew. It will probably render the 
arrangement more suitable to your wishes if you would have the goodness to 
communicate with him on the subject. 

I have also to propose to you, that you should return to the United States 
in one of her majesty’s ships, which I shall be ready to order on this 
service whenever it suits your convenience to leave this counrry, if you accept 
my offer. I am anxious to show by every means in my power, the sense we 
entertain of the generous conduct of your Government, and to offer every courtesy 
to yourself, officers and crew. I am anxious, also, that we should endeavor to 
promote the good and friendly feeling between this country and the United States, 
to which, on all occasions, the conduct of the Naval officers of both countries 
has so much contributed. 

The frigate in which I propose to convey you to any point in the United 
States which you prefer, is ready for sea and would only require filling up with 
coal, but will, of course, wait for any time you may wish to spend in this country. 

I have the honor to be, dear sir, your obedient and faithful servant, 

Gharles Wood. 

Capt. Hartstene, U. S. N. 

The following resolution allowing Commander Hartstene, Lieut. S. D. 
Frenchard, Master Morrison and the petty officers and crew of the steamer Vixen, 
to accept certain tokens of acknowledgment from the Government of Great 
Britain, passed both Houses of Congress, and was approved by the President, 
March 3d, 1857 : 

Resolved . By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 
of America, in Congress assembled, That Congress consents that Commander 
Henry Hartstene, of the United States Navy, may accept from the Government 
of Great Britain, a sword which has been forwarded to the Navy Department by 
the said Government for presentation to said Commander Hartstene, with the 
expression of a hope that he may be permitted to receive it as a memorial of the 
gratification which her Majesty, the Queen of Great Britain, has received from 
the return of the barque Resolute, of which said Hartstene was commander. 


36 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


IV. 

THE POLARIS EXPEDITION. 

House of Representatives, March 8, 1870. 

The Hon. J. E. Stevenson, of Ohio, introduced a joint resolution (H. R., 
No. 187), relative to a voyage to the Arctic regions, which was read a first and 
second time, referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and ordered to be 
printed. 

In Senate, March 25, 1870. 

Mr. Sherman, of Ohio, introduced a similar resolution, (S. R., No. 166,) 
which was read twice by its title, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations 
and ordered to be printed. 

April 19, 1870. 

Mr. Sumner reported the resolution with an amendment. 

May 2, 1870. 

The Committee on Foreign Relations reported the joint resolution with an 
amendment, which was to strike out the preamble, and all of the original resolu- 
tion in the following words : 

Whereas, Capt. C. F. Hall is an enterprising and experienced explorer, 
who has made two successful voyages in the Arctic regions, and 

Whereas, he desires, in the interests of science and for the material 
advantages of his country, to make a voyage of exploration and discovery under 
the' authority and for the benefit of the United States, therefore 

“Be it Resolved, That the President be and he is hereby authorized to fur- 
nish a naval or other steamer, and if necessary, a tender for a voyage into the 
Arctic regions under the control of Capt. C. F. Hall. 

Section 2. And be it further 

Resolved, That the sum of one hundred thousand dollars be, and the same 
is hereby appropriated out of any funds in the Treasury, not otherwise appro- 
priated by law, which sum, or so much thereof as may be requisite, shall be paid 
out on the order and expended under the direction of the President in proper 
and necessary expenses of said voyage. 

And to insert in lieu thereof: 

Be it Resolved, That the President of the United States be authorized to 
organize and send out one or more expeditions for Arctic explorations 
toward the North Pole, and to appoint such person or persons as he may deem 
most fitted to the command thereof ; to detail any officer of the public service to 
take part in the same, and to use any public vessel that may be suitable for the 
purpose ; the scientific operations of the expeditions to be prescribed in accord 
ance with the advice of the National Academy of Sciences, and that a sum of 
one hundred thousand dollars, or such part thereof as maybe necessary, be hereby 
appropriated out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to be 
e xpended under the oirection of the President. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


37 


Objection being made to its present consideration, the joint resolution was 
passed over. ****** 

May 23, 1870. 

Mr. Sumner offered the amended resolution as an amendment to the legislative, 
executive and judicial appropriation bill, and said that he had no desire to debate 
the proposition. 

Mr. Williams, (Oregon). “I think we had better vote it down.” 

The question being put, it was decided that the amendment appeared to be 
rejected ; and a division was called for. 

Mr. Sumner. “ As there is to be a division, I desire to explain to the Sen- 
ate the origin of this amendment. It will be remembered that the Senator from 
Ohio, the Chairman of the Committee on Finance, as long ago as March 25th, 
introduced a joint resolution relative to a voyage to the Arctic regions, which, on 
his motion was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The Committee 
took this resolution into careful consideration ; they were occupied upon it at 
several meetings; they heard witnesses. Among others they listened for a long 
time to Capt. Hall, and also to Dr. Hayes, of New York, both of them eminent 
Arctic explorers. 

The conclusion that the Committee came to was, that it would be in the 
interest of science and for the dignity of this Republic that it should countenance 
such an expedition, but on the evidence before it the Committee hesitated to 
choose between these two explorers. 

They were unwilling to hold the scales. They had before them strong testi- 
mony in favor of each. For instance, I have here a file of papers, all of which I 
will not read. One, for instance, is a letter from the eminent head of the Coast 
Survey, Mr. Pierce; it is short and I'll read it : 

Cambridge, Mass., April 9, 1870. 

My Dear Sir : — I cannot understand how giving to Capt. Hall takes away 
from Hayes. As to myself, I think the cry of North Pole is one of those popu- 
lar notions through which much good is done to the service of knowledge. The 
strong letter of Prof. Henry, is to me sufficient justification for the support of 
Capt. Hall, and it seems to me that he is well fitted to do good work, and that 
the attack on him is an unprovoked outrage. That he has defects, and especially 
in scientific culture is obvious enough. But he is modest and acknowledges 
his own defects, at the same time that he makes claims which seem to me in my 
poor judgment, as not unworthy of regard. I am not aware that any expedition 
has yet returned from the Polar regions without bringing back its money's worth 
in increase of knowledge, and Capt. Hall’s plans seem to give good promise of 
just as valuable returns. But I would also be glad to see Dr. Hayes, or anybody 
else, embarked in enterprizes of their own. 

The Polar regions are wide enough for many explorers, and no harm would 
come from a little rivalry. Let them both go; the cost is nothing for such a 
nation as our own. Yours very truly, 

Benj. Pierce. 


38 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


That letter I may say, is the voice of science itself. Prof. Pierce is known, 
not only in our own country, but abroad, as one of the most eminent and accom- 
plished scientific characters that our country has ever produced, and here you 
have his testimony. . 

Then comes a series of resolutions presented to the Senate by the Senator 
from New York, (Mr. Conkling.) adopted by the Geographical Society, April 
nth, 1870, as follows : 

Rooms of the Geographical Society, N. Y., April n, 1870. 

The following resolutions are recommended by the Council, and were 
unanimously adopted at the regular monthly meeting of the Society. 

Resolved , That it is eminently desirable that an expedition should be fitted 
out by the Government, for Arctic exploration and the discovery of the North 
Pole. 

Resolved , That in view of the great perils and difficulties which attend any 
attempt to penetrate the Arctic regions in vicinity of the Pole, and as the objects 
to be attained are scientific, the expedition should be commanded by a Naval 
Officer of Arctic experience, having under him an efficient scientific corps, so 
that an amount of scientific information may at least be gathered, as will reflect 
honor upon the country, and justify the fitting out of the expedition. 

Resolved , That, without assuming to dictate to whom the command of it 
should be intrusted, we would call attention to the fact that Dr. Hayes has re- 
ceived the gold medals of the Royal Geographical Society of London : the Im- 
perial Geographical Society of Paris ; the endorsements of the Imperial Societies 
of St. Petersburg ; the Geographical Society of Berlin ; the Royal Academy of 
Sciences of Brussels, and the Geographical Society of Italy, and having in his 
last expedition, though provided with very insufficient means, reached nearer to 
the Pole than any previous explorer, except Parry, he is, in the opinion of this 
Society, to be regarded as the most able, eminent and experienced of living 
American Arctic explorers. 

Resolved , That copies of these resolutions be forwarded to both Houses of 
Congress. 

Thus, sir, the Committee had before them testimony in favor of these two 
distinguished explorers. Hesitating to decide between them ; not willing to take 
that responsibility, but at the same time uniting in the conclusion, and I think 
they were unanimous, that such an expedition should be attempted ; that it be- 
longed to the United States, in the interest of commerce, as a representative of 
science, for the sake of humanity, for the advancement of knowledge, to see that 
such an expedition should be attempted, they directed me to report a bill as a 
substitute for that which had been referred to the Committee on the motion of the 
Senator from Ohio. At a subsequent day, following againdhe instruction of the 
Committee, I gave notice of the motion which I have now made, to move that 
bill as an amendment to this appropriation bill. Such, sir, is the brief history of 
this proposition, and how it comes before the Senate at this time, and the simple 
question is, whether you will hesitate in this work. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE . 


39 


Already the great powers of Europe, one by one, have attempted this dis- 
covery. England, Germany, Denmark, and we are now told that France is 
planning an expedition. 

Shall the Great Republic alone stand aloof? Shall we, who have a greater 
interest in this discovery, and in the extension of a knowledge of this hemisphere 
than any other power, shall we be the only one that shall not participate in the 
work ? Mr. President, I am not disposed to enlarge this topic; Senators will all 
understand it without further explanation. The amendment is simple. It refers 
the whole matter to the President of the United States, empowering him, in his 
discretion, to equip one or more expeditions. I think the work ought to be done 
and I hope the Senate will now unite in it.” 

The question being put there were, on a division — Ayes 21, Nays 16. 

Senators McCreery (Ky.), and Trumbull (111.), called for the yeas and nays, 
which were ordered, and resulted — yeas 25, nays 25. 

The Vice-President, Mr. Colfax, voted in the affirmative, and the amend- 
ment was agreed to. 

House of Representatives, July 9, 1870. 

The Senate amendment was agreed to by the Conference Committee, sub- 
stituting the sum of fifty thousand dollars for the amount originally proposed by 
the Senate. 

The act was approved by the President, July 12th, 1870, and on July 20th, 
Capt. Hall was designated as the Commander of the expedition. 

The U. S. Steamer, ‘ ‘Periwinkle,” 387 tons, was selected for the expedition 
and re-christened the “Polaris” by Capt. Hall. She sailed from Washington 
June 10th, 1871, and from New London July 3d, 1871. The history of the 
expedition is too fresh in the memory of the American public to justify repetition 
here. It is only necessary to state, that after the death of Capt. Hall, no deter- 
mined effort was made to get north of the winter quarters selected by him, and 
that on attempting to return home the “ Polaris” was caught in the ice and sunk 
off Littleton Island, Oct. 15th, 1872. Part of her crew were picked up April 
30th, 1873, Lat. 53 0 35' N., off Grady Harbor, Labrador, by the bark Tigress 
of Newfoundland, after drifting upon an ice-floe from the date of the disaster. 
The remainder, after wintering on Littleton Island, were picked up by the steam- 
er “ Ravenscraig,” of Dundee, Scotland, June 23d 1873. * n Lat. 75 0 38' N., 
Long. 65° 35' W. 

The Sundry Civil appropriation bill for the fiscal year ending June 30th 
1875, contains the following clause, providing a suitable recompense for the parties 
affording relief to the shipwrecked explorers. 

sp vL* vj> vp vp *p vp 

/p 'P *p 'P 

“ The Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to make, out of any money 
at his disposal available for that purpose, sufficient and appropriate compensation 
and acknowledgment to the owners, officers and sailors of the British whaling 
and sealing steamers which contributed to the rescue of the survivors of the 
“ Polaris,” for such rescue, and any loss sustained by reason thereof, and fo r 


40 


CONGRESS AND THE NOR TH POLE . 


their humane and hospitable reception, entertainment and transportation until 
they were all finally and safely landed in Newfoundland and Scotland.” 

vC Vp Vp Vp Vp vp vp 

/J> /f* 

In the Deficiency Appropriation bill for the year ending June 30th, 1875, 
the following passage occurs : 

vp vp vp vC Vp vp vp 

/Jn /p /p* 

“For printing illustrations of the results of the Polaris expedition, under the 

direction of the Secretary of the Navy, fifteen thousand dollars.” 

>}c ^ 4: >{< 

An act for the relief of the survivors of the “ Polaris” was passed March 
3 d > i8 75 - as follows : 

Be it Enacted , &*c . , That the proper accounting officers of the Treasury be 
authorized and directed to pay, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise 
appropriated, to the survivors of the “ Polaris,” engaged in the Arctic explora- 
tion under command of Capt. Charles F. Hall, their widows, or minor children, 
and in the order named, a sum of money in addition to that already paid, equal 
in amount to one year’s pay which each would have been entitled to respectively 
if continued in the service, under the rules and regulations prescribed by the 
Secretary of the Navy for said exploring expedition ; and that the sum of three 
hundred and sixty dollars each, be paid to Joe Eberling and Hans Hendrick, 
Esquimaux, who rendered valuable assistance to that part of the ship’s crew res- 
cued from the ice-floe, on or about the 30th day of April, 1873 ; said payment to 
be made direct to each individual claimant, upon satisfactory evidence of his 
identity, 

Provided , That if any sale, assignment, or transfer shall be made of any 
interest in the gratuity provided by this act, the amount so assigned shall revert 
to the Government of the United States. 

The narrative of the Polaris expedition proved such an interesting work, that 
a new edition was authorized by Act of Congress, June 14th, 1878, in the follow 
ing words : 

June 14, 1878. 

Be it Enacted , ofc. , That the Public Printer be, and he is hereby authorized to 
print from the stereotyped plates, now in his possession, such number of copies of 
the Narrative of the Polaris’ expedition as may be subscribed and paid for within 
such reasonable time as the Public Printer may designate, 

Provided , That the whole number printed shall be sold at the cost of publi- 
cation with ten per centum additional, and no greater number shall be printed 
than shall have been subscribed and paid for prior to going to press thereon, 
and authority is hereby given to the Public Printer, to procure the material, 
engravings and lithographs necessary for the publication of the work, and it 
shall be the duty of the Public Printer to cover all moneys received for copies 
of the works into the Treasury, making a report thereof in his next annual 
report. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


41 


V. 

THE BENNETT POLAR EXPEDITION. 

Mr. James Gordon Bennett, of the New York Herald , having bought the 
well known Arctic steam yacht “ Pandora,’ 7 for the purpose of making an attempt 
to reach the Pole via Behring’s Strait, was desirous of having her sail under the 
American flag, and the command of an officer of the U. S. Navy. The necessary 
legislation for this purpose was procured by the passage of the following Act of 
Congress, which was approved by the President, March 1 8th, 1878. 

“ Whereas, James Gordon Bennett, a citizen of the United States, has pur- 
chased in Great Britain a vessel, supposed to be specially adapted to Arctic 
expeditions, and proposes, at his own cost, to fit out and man said vessel, and to 
devote her to efforts to solve the Polar problem; and 

Whereas, it is deemed desirable that said vessel, while so engaged, shall 
carry the American flag and be officered by American Naval Officers, therefore 
Be it Enacted, &c., That the Secretary of the Treasury be authorized to issue an 
American register to said vessel by the name of “Jeannette,” and that the Presi- 
dent of the United States be authorized to detail, with their own consent, com- 
missioned, warrant, and petty officers of the Navy, not to exceed ten in number, 
to act as officers of said vessel during her first voyage to the Arctic seas, 

Provided, However, That such detail shall be made of such officers only as 
the President is satisfied can be absent from their regular duties, without detri- 
ment to the public service. 

The “Jeannette” is announced to sail in the early part of 1879, from San 
Francisco, under command of Lieut. Geo. W. DeLong U. S. N., a young officer of 
marked ability and enterprise, and who has had some experience in Arctic work 
along the Greenland coast, in searching for the Polaris’ survivors in 1873. 

Past efforts to attain high latitudes via the Behring’s Strait route have not 
been sufficiently successful to warrant very sanguine hopes of future success by 
that route, but the “ Jeannette ” will be followed by the best wishes of the friends 
of Arctic exploration in Europe and America, and if she fails in accomplishing 
all that is desired in the solution of the Polar problem, it may be safely assumed 
that it will not be from any lack of effort or energy on the part of her owner or of 
her commander. 


42 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


VI. 

POLAR COLONIZATION. 

Although not properly coming under the head of actual legislation, the Con- 
gressional action upon the Colonization question has been of a sufficiently pos- 
itive nature to justify a brief reference to it in these pages. 

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION. 

The first formal action taken in Congress, in reference to the measure, was 
the introduction of the following bill, which was offered in the House of Repre- 
sentatives on January 8th, 1877, by Hon. Morton C. Hunter, of Indiana : 

A bill to authorize and equip an expedition to the Arctic seas. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 
of America in Congress assembled , That the President of the United States be 
authorized to organize and send out one or more expeditions toward the North 
Pole, and to establish a temporary colony, for purposes of exploration, at 
some point north of the eighty-first degree of north latitude, on or near the shore 
of Lady Franklin Bay ; to detail such officers or other persons of the public 
Service to take part in the same as mav be necessary, and to use any public vessel 
that may be suitable for the purpose; the scientific operations of the expedition 
to be prosecuted in accordance with the advice of the National Academy of 
Science ; and that the sum of fifty thousand dollars, or such part thereof as may 
be necessary, be hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the Treasury not 
o.herwise appropriated, to be expended under the direction of the President: 

Provided , That no part of the sum so appropriated shall be carried to the 
surplus fund or covered into the Treasury until the purpose of the appropriation 
shall have been completed, but may be applied to expenses of said expedition 
incurred during any subsequent year that said expedition may be engaged in its 
duties. 

After a second reading the bill was referred to the Committee on Naval 
Affairs and ordered to be printed. On February 9th, 1877, it was introduced in 
the Senate by Hon. Henry L. Dawes, of Massachusetts, read twice and referred 
to the Committee on Naval Affairs. On February 22, of the same year, it was 
reported favorably from the House Committee on Naval Affairs by Hon. Ben- 
jamin A. Willis, of N.Y. ,and recommitted. No further action was taken on the bill 
bythe 44th Congress, but soon after the meeting of the 45th Congress it was again 
introduced in both Houses by the same members and in each referred to the 
Naval Committee. On the 2 2d of January, 1878, Mr. Willis, on behalf of the 
Naval Committee of the House, submitted a favorable report. 

On the 13th of February, 1878, Hon. A. A Sargent, from the Naval Committee 
of the Senate submitted as the report of that Committee the House Committee’s 
report concurring in its conclusions and recommending the passage of the bill. 

On the 18th of June, 1878, an effort was made to obtain action on the bill, Mr. 


CONGRESS AND THE NORTH POLE. 


43 


Danford, of Ohio, moving in the House to suspend the rules and pass it. The 
bill was read and the question being put there were, ayes, 65, noes 56. So 
(two-thirds not voting in favor thereof) the rules were not suspended, and the 
bill went over to the present session, during which it is hoped that favorable 
action will be taken in compliance with what is believed to be the wishes of the 
commercial, as well as the scientific interests of the country. The Chambers of 
Commerce and Boards of Trade of nearly every large city in the United States, 
have requested their Representatives in Congress to favor the bill, and hasten its 
passage, while scientific associations have urged the same request with gratifying 
unanimity. 


\ ' . v 





CONGEES8 


AND 



AN ABSTRACT OF ARCTIC LEGISLATION IN 
THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES. 




KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 

1879. 


% 


T 


BY 


CAPT. HL W. HOWGATE, U. S. A. 




V' 



























